The CW Shifts Gears Into Live Motorsports With Exclusive NASCAR Deal

by Mike Nelson

Published: August 4th, 2023

The racing world is gearing up for some adrenaline-pumping action as The CW, following Nexstar's acquisition of a majority stake in the network in 2022, takes the plunge into live motorsports. The latest headline from TheStreamable.com reveals that The CW has struck a groundbreaking deal with NASCAR, securing the exclusive broadcast rights for the Xfinity Series from 2025 to the end of the 2031 season.

As we've written before, NASCAR needs to mix things up, whether it is the street style races that debuted this year in Chicago, new models and technology, or more ways to watch the races.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series, operating one level below the top-tier Cup Series, showcases popular manufacturers and models, including the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Ford Mustang GT, and Toyota TRD Camry. All eyes are now on the Next Gen cars, the latest generation introduced at the start of the 2022 season.

The Next Gen cars sport a sleeker and more athletic appearance compared to their Generation 6 predecessors, prioritizing safety with modern components while aiming to closely resemble showroom models. Emphasizing enhanced aerodynamics, downforce, and reconfigured chassis, these cars are set to deliver the competitive racing experience that's sure to attract even more viewers. Or at least, that is what NASCAR and The CW are hoping for.

Related: The Best Way to Watch NASCAR Cup Series Races Live Without Cable in 2023

Brian Herbst, NASCAR's Senior Vice President, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with The CW, stating, "CW's leadership shared a compelling vision for cultivating the next generation of NASCAR talent by bringing the NASCAR Xfinity Series exclusively to broadcast television, and we are thrilled for the opportunity to partner with them. The NASCAR Xfinity Series consistently delivers the moments that excite current fans and create new fans of our great sport."

However, for some viewers, this exclusive move to The CW might be seen as a speed bump. Currently, Fox and NBC Universal hold NASCAR's broadcast rights until the end of 2024, with the Xfinity Series primarily airing on FS1 and USA Network, alongside races shown on Fox and NBC. These are readily accessible channels available through most cable and satellite providers.

As for The CW, the channel's lineup has historically focused on DC Comics superhero series and young adult dramas. The recent shake-up in programming, thanks to deals like LIV Golf and interest in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), signals a strategic move by Nexstar to diversify their content offerings.

Watching The CW is relatively straightforward for viewers in major metropolitan areas, as it can be found with an antenna or bundled in most cable packages. Additionally, the channel is available on select live TV streaming services like Hulu Live and Fubo. However, viewers relying on DIRECTV or DIRECTV STREAM may encounter challenges, as Nexstar is engaged in a public dispute with the provider.

Nonetheless, for motorsports enthusiasts, this announcement signals an exciting journey ahead, with the promise of enjoying races and witnessing the evolution of newer cars for the next eight years. And that's something we can all be happy about, regardless of where you can watch it.

NASCAR's agreement with The CW will go from 2025 to 2031

Mike Nelson

I've been writing for various sites since 2007. My first foray into publishing was with the boring medical field, which made me question life decisions, sell the company, and travel the world. I found my place managing LonelyPlanet.com after a couple years of devoting my time to an international MBA, bringing me where I am today: musing about the intersection of technology and business (within specific interests of mine).

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4 of 5 comments

ToolGuy on Aug 04, 2023

Possibly little-known fact: Many NASCAR vehicles use a lithium starting battery.

2 Reply
- Analoggrotto on Aug 06, 2023
  
  The smaller, lower weight and solid state characteristic of a lithium battery make them ripe for racing applications. Many sportscar owners retrofit them, and I am considering the same.
  And yet again you make the boneheaded assumption that you know something that others don't; making you look like a little bit of a prick here.
  
  1
Carson D on Aug 06, 2023

I feel like I need to scrub the slimy press release filth from my skin after reading this. I hope everyone who knows enough not to build a statue of George Floyd takes a few weeks off from watching NASCAR putting ESG in its collective mouth.

Like Reply
- Analoggrotto on Aug 06, 2023
  
  Go drink your bud light
  
  Like

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