Inside INdiana Business is reporting the Indianapolis 500 national television broadcast relationship with ABC that began in the early 1960s will end after this year’s race. INDYCAR has announced NBC Sports Group will broadcast the 103rd Indianapolis 500 in 2019, as well as all other IndyCar Series races as part of a multi-year deal. Hulman & Co. Chief Executive Officer Mark Miles says the deal increases exposure and “brings all of INDYCAR to one home.” He says NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app will stream all 2019 INDYCAR races for subscribers.
INDYCAR says eight races, including the Indy 500, will be broadcast on NBC with the remainder airing on NBCSN.
Miles says the deal represents “our first direct-to-consumer offer for our fans.” NBC Sports Gold will provide Verizon IndyCar Series content. It will include feeds not available on any other platform such as practice and qualifying sessions, as well as Indy Lights Series events, INDYCAR’s postseason celebration and Carb Day.
ABC will air the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500 in May. Miles says the network “has been a fantastic partner” since 1965.
INDYCAR says it will also gain exposure through the Indianapolis 500 being part of NBC Sports’ Championship Season marketing campaign, profiling major events from May to July. It will be promoted alongside events including horse racing’s Triple Crown, The PLAYERS, the Tour de France and Premier League Championship Sunday. The series says the campaign will provide “unprecedented marketing and promotional support.”
INDYCAR says it is riding momentum, with television ratings having increased 38 percent over the past four seasons.