Saying goodbye to a long-standing partnership can be quite challenging, and few understand this better than Dale Earnhardt Jr. The former NASCAR superstar had a significant tenure with NBC Sports as a color commentator. However, as with all good things, his time there came to a close after the 2023 season. At 49, Dale made the choice to step away from the NBC Broadcast booth, ending his relationship on his own terms. Fortunately, there were no hard feelings between him and the network.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has often wrestled with the weight of this difficult decision. Since 2018, fans have enjoyed watching the NASCAR icon on NBC, but he recently shared on his podcast that life post-NBC has presented its own set of challenges for him.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed his disappointment
After concluding his time with NBC, Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced his new venture with Amazon Prime Video and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports for NASCAR coverage starting in the 2025 season. On the surface, this move seems logical, especially given his active engagement on YouTube and other social media platforms. Collaborating with Amazon Prime Video and similar outlets will undoubtedly enhance his expanding online presence.
Setting aside the business side of things, it’s clear that Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s heart remains with NBC, and who can blame him? Reflecting on the transition he faces starting next season and the family time he’s enjoying during this interim period, he expressed, “It’s pretty cool, and honestly, I can’t wait to get back in the booth. This year has been tough without working, to be frank. I’m enjoying the downtime, traveling, and spending quality moments with my family and Amy, but when I watch those guys, especially in the NBC booth, I definitely miss it.”
Dale’s departure comes after a five-year stint with NBC, where fans appreciated his vibrant presence and deep NASCAR knowledge. The former No. 88 driver made 17 appearances for the network, providing insightful race analyses. His talent as a commentator was evident even before his time with NBC, as he had made several guest appearances on various shows.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s collaboration with Amazon Prime Video and WB is just one of the significant changes fans can expect in the 2025 season. In addition to the broadcasting switch, fans will witness the first Cup series points race outside the United States in 67 years. The historic event will take place at Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez racetrack on June 15, 2025.
Moreover, NASCAR has implemented major changes to the race venues and schedules. Notable adjustments include moving the Homestead-Miami race to March, featuring Talladega Superspeedway in the Cup Series semi-finals, and relocating The Clash to Bowman Gray Stadium, among other significant updates.
One of the most significant transformations in NASCAR recently is the new media rights agreement established with its broadcasting partners. This shift also coincides with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s transition from NBC to Amazon Prime Video and WB.
NASCAR’s new media agreement: A major transformation
As streaming platforms continue to rise in prominence, NASCAR is stepping into a new chapter regarding how fans will experience races in the future. This new media rights agreement involves four key partners and is valued at an impressive $7.7 billion over seven years. It includes Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports, alongside traditional NASCAR partners FOX Sports and NBC Sports. Under this arrangement, FOX Sports and NBC Sports will continue to broadcast the majority of Cup Series races, each holding distribution rights for 14 races.
Meanwhile, the new entrants, Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports, will also play a significant role, securing rights to five mid-season races each. Furthermore, they will have the ability to stream all Cup Series practice and qualifying sessions through 2031.
As the season progresses with NBC already airing a few races, fans have begun expressing their support for NBC. A recent Reddit thread titled “NBC is so much better than FOX” highlighted a wave of appreciation for NBC, while also raising some serious criticisms of FOX Sports.
What do you think about NASCAR’s new media rights agreement? Do you believe Dale Earnhardt Jr. made the right choice in leaving NBC Sports? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
