Starting in 2026, NASCAR’s broadcast setup will see a major change as USA Sports becomes the new producer of 10 NASCAR Cup Series races that previously aired on USA Network. This update follows the corporate restructuring that moved several NBCUniversal cable networks into Versant Media Group, the parent company behind USA Sports.
“USA Sports will be the home of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs once again in 2026, producing the final 14 races of the season, with 10 airing on USA Network beginning next summer.”
The 2026 broadcast plan also matches NASCAR’s efforts to keep race times steady and easy for fans to follow. The shift marks a new role for USA Sports as it takes on both regular-season and playoff production duties under the Versant umbrella.
NASCAR’s 2026 Broadcast Details
The NASCAR Cup Series broadcasts will be split among four domestic media partners as part of a new seven-year media rights agreement: FOX Sports, Amazon Prime Video, TNT Sports, and NBC Sports/USA Sports.
NASCAR released its full list of 2026 start times and network assignments on November 12, 2025. Most events are set for 3 p.m. ET, based on data showing that later start times draw more viewers. The 2026 schedule also includes nine night races, giving fans a mix of afternoon and evening events.
One example from the lineup is the Iowa Speedway race, listed for 3:30 p.m. ET on USA Network, according to NASCAR.com. Another example shows the Chicagoland Speedway event airing at 6 p.m. ET on TNT, according to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. The full plan includes steady start times, returning tracks, and a consistent presence for USA Network as part of the new production shift.
USA Sports’ Role Under Versant
The transition to USA Sports follows the earlier move by Comcast and NBCUniversal to place their U.S. cable-network assets under Versant Media Group. With that change, Versant became responsible for the sports rights and broadcast operations held by those networks.
Because NBC Universal spun off cable channels like USA Network into a different company (Versant), the NASCAR broadcasts will now technically be presented and produced by a new entity called “USA Sports.”
USA Network has 10 Cup races per season.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) November 12, 2025
USA Sports confirmed its expanded role in a detailed announcement on USA Network’s official site. The statement outlined the full responsibilities for the NASCAR Cup Series, including all playoff production and the 10 races that will air on USA Network during the summer stretch.
Versant continues to honor all sports contracts moved under its management, including NASCAR’s current broadcast rights. USA Sports now operates as the central production group for NASCAR’s races under the Versant banner. This ensures continuity for viewers, as the races remain on familiar networks, even as the behind-the-scenes structure shifts to the new sports division.
USA Network Becomes Key Home for NASCAR Playoffs
USA Network is expanding its role in NASCAR with the launch of the USA Sports brand, a move tied to the creation of Versant after its January 2026 spin-off from Comcast. The new sports division brings all live sports programming under one umbrella across USA Network and related channels.
The brand plans to deliver more than 10,000 hours of live sports every year. For NASCAR fans, the biggest impact comes during the postseason. USA Network will become the main cable home for much of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs beginning in summer 2026.
The network will air 10 races during the playoff stretch and will also handle production for the entire postseason schedule, putting USA Sports at the center of the championship fight.
USA Sports President Matt Hong explained the thinking behind the new brand when it launched.
“Our new USA Sports brand and division name leans into USA Network’s decades-long reputation as a top national sports and entertainment network. USA Sports has something for all sports fans across the country.”
The launch of USA Sports places NASCAR in a central position on the network’s sports lineup while maintaining NBC’s role in the season finale.
What Fans Can Expect in 2026
For the 2026 season, fans will find a stable schedule, clear start times, and a consistent broadcast plan across familiar channels. The official 2026 NASCAR schedule release lays out each race’s network and time.
USA Sports will play a major role in how the season airs, especially during the final 14 races, when it oversees all playoff production. USA Network will continue to air 10 races, remaining one of NASCAR’s key broadcast homes.
NASCAR Broadcast: USA Sports Takes Over for 2026 Season