Teams Bullish on Higher Ratings as IndyCar Makes Historic FOX Network Move
A new era begins for IndyCar as the series transitions to FOX Sports, with teams and executives expressing high expectations for viewership growth and commercial opportunities.
Palou testing IndyCar at Sebring
Under NBC's coverage, IndyCar achieved a Total Audience Delivery (TAD) average of 1.30 million viewers per race in 2024. The new FOX deal promises all races on the main network channel—a first in generations—with practice and qualifying on FOX Sports 1 and 2. All content will stream via the FOX Sports app.
Team owners project significant viewership increases:
- Meyer Shank Racing expects 20-30% growth
- McLaren Racing anticipates 20-25% improvement
- Teams cite FOX's extensive promotion, including Super Bowl ads, as positive indicators
Commercial Impact:
- Sponsorship benefits likely to materialize in 12-18 months
- Teams targeting 2026 and beyond for major sponsorship deals
- Breaking 2 million viewers could attract major consumer brands
- Business-to-business opportunities remain important
Challenges and Opportunities:
- Current team budgets remain high for 2025
- Pay drivers increasingly relevant
- FOX's network-only approach eliminates rating fluctuations from cable/streaming
- Teams optimistic about FOX's commitment to promotion and growth
Industry leaders emphasize that while higher ratings don't guarantee immediate sponsorship increases, FOX's broader reach and promotional power could transform IndyCar's commercial landscape. The upcoming Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will provide the first concrete data on FOX's impact.
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