Dale Earnhardt Jr. Set to Join Amazon Prime Video and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports
Dale Earnhardt Jr., a major name in NASCAR, is making a significant move in his broadcasting career. According to sources familiar with his decision, Earnhardt is leaving NBC and joining the racing newcomers Amazon Prime Video and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports. However, fans will have to wait a little longer before seeing him back on their screens, as he is expected to take this season off and return in 2025 when WBD Sports and Amazon start their coverage.
This move is expected to give WBD Sports and Amazon instant credibility as they venture into the world of NASCAR. With each network airing five races per season, WBD Sports will broadcast their races on TNT and stream them on Max, with a Bleacher Report component. This addition of NASCAR to their programming schedule will nicely complement their already robust coverage of NBA, NCAA Tournament, MLB, and NHL.
Amazon Prime Video, known for its subscription service featuring exclusive NFL games on Thursday nights, is also a leading contender to secure NBA rights in the upcoming negotiations. The addition of Earnhardt to their lineup further strengthens their position as a dominant force in sports broadcasting.
Earnhardt informed NBC of his decision last week, and while he plans to take a year off, he retains the flexibility to explore deals with other broadcast partners such as Fox and NBC. However, as of now, there have been no substantial talks with either network. An NBC Sports spokesperson expressed gratitude for Earnhardt’s contributions and wished him the best going forward, acknowledging his popularity and significant impact in the NASCAR world.
In an interview on his podcast, “Dale Jr. Download,” back in February, Earnhardt expressed his desire to continue working with NBC, stating his love for being in the broadcast booth. Although he does not currently have a contract for 2024, he hopes to return to his NBC home. Earnhardt had joined NBC in 2018 immediately following retiring from racing.
This move comes as NASCAR expands its TV partnerships, bringing the total number of partners to four. NBC and Fox, the existing broadcasters, will continue to air 14 races in 2025, while WBD Sports and Amazon will broadcast a combined 10 races. This exciting development in NASCAR’s TV contracts spans seven years and is estimated to be worth a staggering $7.7 billion.
Looking beyond this particular announcement, it is one example of the larger trend of streaming platforms and digital media companies aggressively pursuing sports content. Amazon Prime Video, with its growing portfolio of live sports offerings, has the potential to become a prominent player in the sports broadcasting landscape. As the industry shifts towards streaming and personalized viewing experiences, traditional broadcasters may face increasing competition from tech giants and streaming platforms.
The implications of this shift extend beyond NASCAR. With Amazon’s sights set on additional sports rights and the rising popularity of streaming services, the future of sports broadcasting is expected to feature more non-traditional platforms. This might lead to greater accessibility for fans, as digital platforms have the capability to reach wider audiences and offer more interactive and personalized viewing experiences.
In conclusion, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s move to Amazon Prime Video and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports signifies a significant change in the landscape of NASCAR broadcasting. This decision not only boosts the credibility and appeal of WBD Sports and Amazon, but also highlights the growing influence of streaming platforms in the sports media industry. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how traditional broadcasters adapt and how these emerging players shape the future of sports broadcasting.