The CW’s first venture into NASCAR broadcasting last Friday night brought big numbers for the sport’s new partner.
The network reported that the Xfinity Series race broadcast from Bristol Motor Speedway drew 906,000 viewers. That’s the highest rating for any show on The CW in eight months.
.@TheCW got 906,000 viewers for its first ever NASCAR race broadcast, Friday’s Xfinity Series Food City 300 at Bristol, the channel’s highest rating for any program in eight months.
🔲 @NXSTMediaGroup to pay NASCAR $115 million a year for Xfinity media rights starting next year. pic.twitter.com/7ks26w29gJ
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) September 23, 2024
According to the network, those ratings are the best for an Xfinity Series race since July 20, when the race peaked at more than 1 million viewers.
The CW is paying $115 million annually to be the exclusive home of the Xfinity Series beginning in 2025. That deal runs through 2031. That includes 33 races per season, along with practice and qualifying events.
The Xfinity Series will finish out the final seven races of this season on The CW. Next up is the playoff opener on Sept. 28 at Kansas Speedway.
While The CW has traditionally been better known for popular series such as Supernatural, The Flash and Gossip Girl, it’s been building its sports portfolio, adding shows such as Inside the NFL, LIV Golf tournaments and college football and basketball games.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.