NHRA Will Partner With Fox, The CW in 2027
A new media rights deal will distribute NHRA races to 125 million households starting in 2027.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Motorsports
Live Poll
Do you find it harder to watch your favorite sports when coverage is split across platforms?
The NHRA will begin a new media rights arrangement in 2027 that spans Fox Sports, The CW, and FloSports. This deal aims to reach 125 million households while prioritizing seasonal exposure.
Why it matters
The organization prioritized broad distribution reach over immediate revenue to build a larger audience. This strategic shift is intended to improve visibility for the latter half of the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.
The new agreement covers the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, with Fox Sports broadcasting 13 events and The CW airing the final 7 races. FloSports will provide digital coverage for qualifying events.
The players
NHRA
The National Hot Rod Association is the primary governing body for drag racing in the United States.
Fox Sports
Fox Sports is a major American sports broadcasting network that produces a wide variety of live sporting events.
The CW
The CW is a national television network that has recently increased its footprint in the sports broadcasting market.
FloSports
FloSports is a subscription-based streaming service specializing in live and on-demand coverage of niche sporting events.
Octagon
Octagon is a prominent sports and entertainment agency that provides consultation services for major media rights negotiations.
The details
The NHRA utilized consultation from Octagon during the year-long negotiation process to secure the new broadcast lineup. The CW is expected to leverage its existing sports infrastructure to increase cross-promotion between drag racing and NASCAR.
Timeline
The new media rights arrangement begins in 2027.
The NHRA finalized the new media rights deals in September 2026.
Season Trajectory
This move signals a broader transition in motorsports broadcasting where series owners trade exclusive cable dominance for multi-platform distribution. By splitting the schedule between Fox Sports and The CW, the NHRA seeks to maintain high-profile presence throughout the playoff season.
Fans will see the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule split between two distinct networks beginning in 2027. Qualifying coverage will move exclusively to the FloSports digital platform, requiring viewers to adjust their streaming habits for those specific events.
The takeaway
The transition to a multi-network broadcast model underscores how niche sports are adapting to a fragmenting media landscape. Followers of the sport should prepare to track both linear channels and digital streams to catch the full schedule starting in 2027.
Further reading
For more on the changing broadcast landscape of the sport, visit the Motorsports section.
Live Poll
Do you find it harder to watch your favorite sports when coverage is split across platforms?
