#USA #Indianapolis #NHRA #Drag Racing #FOX Sports

NHRA's Groundbreaking Media Rights Agreements

In an exciting development for motorsports fans, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) announced on September 30, 2026, that it has reached new multi-year media rights agreements with three major broadcasting entities: Fox Sports, The CW Network, and FloSports. This deal marks the largest household reach in the NHRA's illustrious 75-year history, set to amplify the visibility of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series like never before.

Expanding Reach Across Platforms

Starting in the 2027 season, NHRA events will be accessible to over 125 million households, significantly increasing the sport's profile. With both Fox Sports and The CW Network sharing the broadcasting duties, NHRA will ensure that the thrill of drag racing is available to an even broader audience.

The Breakdown of Coverage

• - Fox Sports will air the first 13 races of the season, starting with the highly anticipated NHRA Winternationals from February 18-21 at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Coverage will be conducted across the FOX network, FS1, and the FOX One app, providing fans with opportunities to watch eliminations and highlight recaps each Sunday.
• - The CW Network will step in to broadcast the final seven races of the season, including the prestigious Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals and the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. This collaboration promises to bring vibrant visual excitement to millions of viewers.
• - Meanwhile, FloSports will enter the scene as the official streaming home for live qualifying action and Sunday eliminations. This marks a new chapter for NHRA on the FloRacing platform, which is dedicated to covering grassroots motorsports.

President's Perspective

Glen Cromwell, the NHRA President, expressed his enthusiasm over this monumental agreement, noting that these partnerships will greatly enhance NHRA's ability to engage current fans while attracting new ones. Cromwell stated, "This is a truly major moment for NHRA and for the future of our sport. These agreements put NHRA racing in front of fans in more ways and on more platforms than ever before."

This historic moment comes as the NHRA approaches its 75th anniversary in 2026, a significant milestone underscoring its growth and perseverance in the world of drag racing. Cromwell emphasized the importance of these broadcasting agreements for the drivers, teams, and sponsors, highlighting the expanded opportunities for promotion and visibility.

The CW Network's Commitment

The CW is set to kick off its journey with NHRA broadcasting at the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, featuring the season's biggest drag race. This partnership with The CW ensures that NHRA’s playoff races will be spotlighted like never before, allowing for a larger household reach. Mike Perman, Senior Vice President of CW Sports, exclaimed, "The CW has quickly become a top-tier broadcast destination for motorsports fans, and we are thrilled to add NHRA events to our growing portfolio."

Continued Partnership with Fox Sports

Fox Sports, which has a strong history of partnering with NHRA, will continue their relationship into the upcoming season. Their robust programming will feature exciting content tailored to keep the passion for drag racing alive. Bill Wanger, FOX Sports EVP, expressed his delight: "It's fantastic to continue our long-standing relationship with the NHRA, delivering adrenaline and action to its dedicated fan base."

FloSports: A New Era of Streaming

FloSports, making its mark as a new partner, will focus on delivering live streaming coverage of all qualifying rounds and Sunday eliminations. Michael Rigsby, GM of FloRacing, remarked on the significance of their partnership, stating, "The NHRA is the crown jewel of drag racing, and we plan to give fans an immersive experience."

Conclusion

With these groundbreaking agreements, NHRA is poised for a bright future that stands to revolutionize the way fans experience drag racing. Whether through traditional broadcasts or online streaming, fans will have more ways than ever to engage with one of motorsports' most thrilling spectacles. As the NHRA gears up for its season opener in February, excitement is already building for what promises to be an unforgettable era in drag racing history. For more information on the upcoming schedule and events, visit NHRA's official site.