What’s Happening?

This year, the NASCAR Xfinity Series made a premature jump to the CW beginning with its Playoff cutoff race. While this move did not see many changes from the NBC/USA, including the same graphics and broadcast team, there was a lot of excitement for the move early on. So, what can the ratings tell us about the Xfinity Series on the CW in 2024?

• The NASCAR Xfinity Series moved to the CW this fall, starting at race No. 26, the Bristol Night race. NASCAR was originally going to move the Xfinity Series to the CW in 2025. However, the early move gave fans a chance to adjust to the channel.
• The CW will be the only home of the Xfinity Series in 2025, as they have exclusive rights as part of NASCAR’s new media deal. From 2015 to 2024, the Xfinity Series broadcast on Fox, FS1 in the spring, and NBC and USA in the fall.
• Fans have had mixed opinions on the move. However, the accessibility of the network should be exciting for those wanting to watch NASCAR’s future stars duke it out.

How to Watch NASCAR on The CW in 2025

How to Watch NASCAR on The CW in 2025

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The Numbers

Please note that for the chart below, we will use race to date. So, while Bristol and Kansas were both in the playoffs each year, they swapped dates in 2024. In this case, we will compare 2023 Kansas to 2024 Bristol and 2023 Bristol to 2024 Kansas.

Cutoff: Kansas in 2023; Bristol in 2024

• 2023 Viewers: 1.325 Million
• 2024 Viewers: 0.906 Million
• Difference: -0.419 Million
• Change: -31.623%
• Source: Nexstar

Playoffs: Bristol in 2023; Kansas in 2024

• 2023 Viewers: 0.993 Million
• 2024 Viewers: 0.722 Million
• Difference: -0.271 Million
• Change: -27.291 %
• Source: Sports Media Watch

Playoffs: Texas in 2023; Talladega in 2024

• 2023 Viewers: 0.828 Million
• 2024 Viewers: 0.917 Million
• Difference: +0.089 Million
• Change: +10.749%
• Source: SportsTVRatings

Playoffs: Charlotte Roval

• 2023 Viewers: 1.121 Million
• 2024 Viewers: 0.834 Million
• Difference: -0.287 Million
• Change: -25.602%
• Source: Nexstar

Playoffs: Las Vegas

• 2023 Viewers: 0.810 Million
• 2024 Viewers: 0.755 Million
• Difference: –0.055 Million
• Change: -6.790%
• Source: Bryan Mapes

Playoffs: Homestead

• 2023 Viewers: 0.844 Million
• 2024 Viewers: n/a
• Difference: n/a
• Change: n/a
• Source: n/a

Playoffs: Martinsville

• 2023 Viewers: 0.933 Million
• 2024 Viewers: n/a
• Difference: n/a
• Change: n/a
• Source: n/a

Playoffs: Championship Race

• 2023 Viewers: 0.951 Million
• 2024 Viewers: 1.113 Million
• Difference: +0.162 Million
• Change: +17.035%
• Source: Bryan Mapes

Averages

• 2023  Average Viewers: 0.976 Million
• 2024 Average Viewers: 0.870 Million
• Difference: -0.106 Million
• Change: –10.826%
• Source for 2024 totals: Bryan Mapes

What Can We Learn?

The Complete 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series CW Broadcast Schedule

The Complete 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series CW Broadcast Schedule

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While the ratings overall took a dip, the transition was rather smooth despite the abrupt nature of the switch. Fans’ accessibility to the CW could be a major contributor to this. According to its website, the CW is “available to 100% of US television households.”

While it may be the single most accessible channel for home viewers, there have been complaints about its streaming options. The CW app allows viewers to watch the race for free one day later. However, with a provider, you can watch it on the go.

While viewership for the first race was strong, a 0.906 Million at Bristol, perhaps fans felt as if it was no different from last season on USA. The viewing experience, at least for late 2024, was essentially the USA/NBC broadcast with a CW label. When and if they repackage the product, new graphics, broadcast team, etc., fans may feel that it is a high priority to tune in.

While it was not the initial overall boost they may have hoped for, the championship race, which was up 17% from 2023, was a major win for NASCAR’s newest partner. Hopefully, as the season restarts, the CW will find its racing identity, and fans will grow accustomed to the new home of the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

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