ESPN insiders confirmed that the channel will broadcast the remainder of the 2025 NASCAR season in Brazil, beginning with the Southern 500 at Darlington. This announcement comes shortly after XSports, a new 24-hour broadcast television sports channel, confirmed it will broadcast every Cup Series race for the rest of the season. For Brazilian fans, this means multiple ways to follow NASCAR live, both on TV and online.
Play-by-play commentator Matheus Pinheiro took to X to celebrate the announcement, saying (in Portuguese), “NASCAR on ESPN! The news is that one of the world’s premier competitions returns to ESPN and Disney+. From the 1990s to our recent partnership with Fox Sports, we’ve brought NASCAR excitement to fans, and this Sunday, we continue this great work. The playoffs kick off at Darlington, our Lady in Black. We’ll be waiting for you!”
The surge in NASCAR broadcasts raises questions about the sport’s plans in Brazil. Selling rights to multiple channels could indicate audience testing and potential future expansion, as NASCAR has been exploring international markets. Recent events in Mexico City and Steve Phelps’ visit to Interlagos suggest Brazil could play a role in the sport’s global expansion.
NASCAR has previously shown interest in expanding into Brazil, with rumors circulating about possibly hosting a race since August 2024. However, those speculations were dispelled when the official schedule was released, confirming there are no international dates planned for next season.
If NASCAR has long-term plans for Brazil, expanding the availability of its broadcasts is a strategic move. Making races more accessible helps attract new viewers and consolidate an audience, laying the foundation for future events in the country. A relevant example is the NFL, which hosted its first-ever South American game in 2024 and is confirmed to return in 2025 after its successful debut and strong audience. Now, Grupo Globo, Brazil’s largest TV network, is actively trying to secure broadcasting rights for the full NFL season, immediately after reclaiming Formula 1 coverage following a five-year absence, which could enhance the country’s interest in Motorsports. By increasing its exposure now, NASCAR could cultivate an even stronger Brazilian fanbase and prepare for possible future races or events.
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