The noose around IndyCar’s neck
For years now you have heard AR1.com talk about the noose around IndyCar's neck – low TV ratings that deter sponsors and new engine manufacturers from coming into the series. Part of the problem is that IndyCar hitched its wagon to the wrong horse – NBC Sports Network. While what network your races are broadcast on are not the sole reason for low ratings, it is a big driver. How does NBCSN compare to ESPN (ABC would be even higher of course)? On average, ESPN draws 4.6 times more viewers than NBC Sports Network a huge difference. Basically there is ESPN and everyone else. The good news is that NBCSN is closing the gap to ESPN. The bad news is by the time it gets there, if it ever does, IndyCar could be out of business. All races should be on ABC and ESPN, especially ABC where average daytime viewership is over 2 million for sporting events.
Q2 TOTAL-DAY VIEWERSHIP
NETWORK | '14 (000) | '13 (000) | '10 (000) |
ESPN | 911 | 716 | 762 |
ESPN2 | 255 | 244 | 255 |
NBCSN | 195 | 155 | 105 |
Golf Channel | 122 | 126 | 75 |
FS1 | 114 | 128 | 113 |
MLB Network | 105 | 83 | 38 |
NFL Network | 79 | 75 | 48 |
ESPNews | 59 | 64 | 52 |
NBA TV | 59 | 52 | n/a |
ESPNU | 46 | 44 | n/a |
FS2 | 16 | 26 | n/a |