“A colossally bad idea”- NASCAR fans go bonkers as reports of Xfinity series coverage’s shift to digital platforms emerges
A shift to digital streaming is one for NASCAR to tap into young fans of the sport.
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NASCAR Xfinity race at Auto Club Speedway (Credits: Sportscasting)
NASCAR is finding it hard to establish itself among the young demographics. The growth of Formula 1 fans among the same age group is concerning for the future of the sport. NASCAR has long been broadcasting its races via cable TV or satellite TV. But the sanctioning body has been showing interest in coming up with a digital streaming deal for its races.
The talks about a digital streaming package are discussed alongside the usual Cup broadcasting deal that will be renewed in 2024 for the Cup series. Meanwhile, NASCAR might already be shifting the Xfinity series coverage entirely to digital streaming. SBJ has reported that NASCAR has interest from two parties for exclusive digital streaming rights of the second-tier series.
NASCAR is following the pro leagues, such as NFL and NHL, with streaming views. All these championships have successfully doubled their market value with exclusive streaming deals. The demographic difference among fans is NASCAR’s biggest concern. The older generation does not have similar access to streaming services as the youngsters. But they reaming the biggest consumers of NASCAR content via TV.
NASCAR might have to sacrifice a significant amount of viewership short term to establish itself in the digital streaming era. If the France family has long-term goals for the sport, then, though, they should be looking into the streaming deals as it is the way of the future. But starting with the second-tier series is a risky move.
They have been trying to land a streaming deal for the Cup series with Fox and NBC. The sport has a clear advantage in the mid-summer as it has less competition from other events. It has historically produced solid TV ratings for the races, but over the years, it has seen a concerning drop. The decrease in cable/satellite TV owners played a big role. The organization believes that the sport can benefit from the streaming deal. Fand will only get a clear picture only when the new deal is signed.
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Here is how NASCAR fans reacted to the exclusive streaming deal reports
Fans gave mixed reactions to the proposed idea. Some pointed out that it’s the right decision as digital streaming is the future, and NASCAR should be ready to suffer short-term losses for long-term gains. Some claimed the sport is stabbing itself in the back with the move, and they should not go forward with the idea that it could hurt its current fan base.
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Justin P Joy
(4885 Articles Published)