🔥 Trending NASCAR Cup Series 2026 Schedule: How to Watch and Where to Find Listings

Watching the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026 will be a multi-platform experience, as the season marks the second year of NASCAR's seven-year media rights deal (2025-2031). This means the 38-race Cup Series schedule will be distributed across four major media partners: FOX Sports, NBC Sports, Amazon's Prime Video, and TNT Sports ¹⁶.

Key Broadcast Partners for 2026 NASCAR Cup Series

To ensure you don't miss any of the action, you'll need access to a combination of traditional television channels and streaming services.

1. FOX Sports

FOX Sports will continue to broadcast a portion of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. This typically includes the earlier races in the season ¹⁸.

• Channels: FOX and FS1 (Fox Sports 1) ⁸.
• Coverage: Expect a significant number of races, likely including the Daytona 500 and other early-season events.

2. NBC Sports

NBC Sports will cover the latter part of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, including the playoffs ¹⁸.

• Channels: NBC and USA Network ⁸.
• Coverage: These channels will be crucial for watching the championship push.

3. Prime Video (Amazon)

Amazon's Prime Video is a significant addition to NASCAR's broadcast landscape, offering exclusive streaming coverage ¹².

• Platform: Amazon Prime Video (requires a Prime subscription).
• Coverage: Prime Video will carry a specific set of races, providing a streaming-first option for fans ¹². This marks Prime Video's return for the 2026 season ².

4. TNT Sports

TNT Sports (formerly Turner Sports) is another key player, bringing its own set of races to the schedule ¹².

• Channels: TNT and potentially truTV or other Warner Bros. Discovery channels ¹⁸.
• Coverage: TNT Sports will also have exclusive races, diversifying the viewing options ¹².

How to Access the Races

To comprehensively watch the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, consider the following options:

1. Traditional Cable/Satellite TV Subscription

If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription, ensure your package includes FOX, FS1, NBC, USA Network, and TNT. This will cover most of the linear TV broadcasts ⁸.

2. Live TV Streaming Services

For cord-cutters, several live TV streaming services offer access to the necessary channels:

• Services: Popular options include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream ¹⁰.
• Benefit: These services often provide a more flexible and potentially more affordable alternative to traditional cable, allowing you to stream live races on various devices.

3. Amazon Prime Video Subscription

To watch the races exclusively broadcast on Prime Video, an Amazon Prime subscription is essential. This can be purchased separately or as part of a broader Prime membership ¹.

4. NASCAR.com and Official Apps

NASCAR's official website (NASCAR.com) and its mobile applications often provide live timing and scoring, in-car camera feeds, and post-race highlights ⁵⁹. While not a substitute for live broadcast, they complement the viewing experience. Check for any potential live streaming options offered directly through NASCAR's platforms, though full race broadcasts typically require authentication with a TV provider.

Key Considerations for the 2026 Season

• No New Channels: The 2026 season will see fewer changes compared to 2025, as it is the second year of the new media rights deal. No new channels have been added, and broadcast locations remain consistent ³.
• Complete Schedule: NASCAR has released the complete 2026 television schedule, including all Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series events with confirmed start times and broadcast partners ²⁷. This schedule is available on NASCAR.com ⁵⁹.
• Multi-Platform Approach: Be prepared to switch between different platforms (linear TV, streaming services) to catch every race, as the broadcast rights are fragmented across the four partners ⁶.

By utilizing a combination of these platforms, NASCAR fans can ensure they have full access to the exciting 2026 Cup Series season.