NHRA Announces New Multi-Year Media Agreements With CW Network, FloSports, FOX Sports

"These new media relationships give us a huge opportunity to build on that and continue to reach new fans and introduce them to the incredible competition."

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NHRA has struck new multiyear media rights deals with FOX Sports, The CW and FloSports. The agreements start in 2027 and give NHRA its largest household reach ever.

What We Know: Beginning in 2027, NHRA will reach more than 125 million households. FOX Sports keeps the first 13 races across FOX, FS1 and the FOX One app. Meanwhile, The CW takes the final seven, including the U.S. Nationals and the six-race Countdown playoffs. FloRacing, in turn, will exclusively stream all qualifying live and carry Sunday eliminations.

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What They Said: NHRA President Glen Cromwell: “These new media relationships give us a huge opportunity to build on that and continue to reach new fans and introduce them to the incredible competition, drivers, race teams, and excitement that make NHRA Drag Racing so special. We’re extremely proud of these agreements for our race teams, tracks, and sponsors. We’re thrilled to see NHRA’s continued growth with our partners at The CW Network, FOX Sports, and FloSports.”

Mike Perman, senior vice president of CW Sports: “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 of CW Sports. Beginning next fall, these seven adrenaline-packed NHRA playoff races will pair perfectly with the action of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, making weekends on The CW the premier television home for all racing enthusiasts.”

Bill Wanger, FOX Sports EVP, head of Programming and Scheduling: “It’s fantastic to continue our long-standing relationship with the NHRA. With a sport built on speed, adrenaline, and mechanical mastery, being able to continue to deliver the blink-of-an-eye action across FOX Sports platforms to the NHRA’s dedicated fan base highlights the commitment to our motorsports lineup.”

Michael Rigsby, GM of FloRacing: “The NHRA is the crown jewel of drag racing and is going to be a standout addition to a FloRacing portfolio that is quickly becoming an essential destination for drag racing fans. We plan to give fans a deep dive into the sport and its drivers that will extend beyond our live streaming coverage.”

What Remains Unclear: However, NHRA did not disclose financial terms or the exact length of the agreements. Fans also face a more complex viewing path. For example, it is not yet clear how FloRacing’s Sunday eliminations will overlap with the TV windows.

What It Means: Ultimately, NHRA is betting big on reach across multiple platforms. Together, FOX and The CW give NHRA its most over-the-air broadcasts ever, spotlighting the Countdown playoffs. Plus, FloRacing adds a year-round grassroots audience across more than 1,800 events. As a result, 2027 could become NHRA’s strongest growth opportunity in years.

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John Mamola
John Mamolahttps://linktr.ee/johnmamola
John Mamola is Barrett Media's sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi's Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.

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