Finding the ama motocross television schedule used to be simple. You’d flip to a certain channel at a certain time, and if you missed it, well, you were out of luck until the magazine arrived. Things are way different now. With the 2026 season of the SuperMotocross (SMX) World Championship fully integrated, the "television" part of the schedule is really a mix of live streaming, cable encores, and network broadcasts on NBC. Honestly, if you don’t have Peacock, you’re basically trying to watch the race through a keyhole.
This year, the outdoor Pro Motocross season kicks off at Fox Raceway in Pala on May 30. It’s the start of an 11-round grind through the summer heat. If you're looking for the short version: Peacock is the home for everything. Every moto, every qualifying session, and every "Race Day Live" pre-show happens there. But if you're a fan of the traditional big-screen experience on NBC or the newly minted NBCSN linear channel, there are specific windows you need to circle on your calendar.
The 2026 AMA Motocross Television Schedule Breakdown
The outdoor season is the second half of a massive 31-round SMX odyssey. While Supercross takes over the stadiums in the winter, the AMA Motocross season is where the real "men from boys" separation happens in the dirt.
For 2026, the broadcast team remains a heavy-hitting lineup. You've got Leigh Diffey and Jason Weigandt handling the play-by-play duties. Then you have the "GOAT" Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart providing the analysis. It’s a booth with 22 combined AMA championships. That kind of insight is rare in any sport.
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Key Dates for the Summer Series
The season starts in Southern California and zig-zags across the country. Most rounds follow a familiar pattern: Race Day Live starts in the morning (usually around 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET), and the gate drops for the first motos a few hours later.
- May 30 – Fox Raceway National (Pala, CA): This is the big opener. Live coverage starts at 4:00 PM ET on Peacock. If you miss the live gate drop, NBC is running an encore presentation the next day, Sunday, May 31, at 1:30 PM ET.
- June 6 – Hangtown Motocross Classic (Rancho Cordova, CA): A legendary track. Racing starts at 4:00 PM ET.
- June 13 – Thunder Valley National (Lakewood, CO): High altitude, high drama. Gate drop is at 1:00 PM local time.
- June 20 – High Point National (Mt. Morris, PA): The Father's Day tradition. This one usually sees a massive crowd and starts earlier for the East Coast fans.
- July 4 – RedBud MX (Buchanan, MI): "REDBUUUUUD!" There is nothing like the Fourth of July in Michigan. Expect this to be a primary focus for NBC’s holiday weekend sports programming.
The schedule continues through staples like Southwick (July 11), Spring Creek (July 18), and Washougal (July 25) before taking a short breather in early August. The final stretch hits Unadilla on August 15, Budds Creek on August 22, and wraps up the regular season at Ironman Raceway on August 29.
Understanding the "Network" vs. "Streaming" Split
It's kinda confusing because of the "SMX" branding. Essentially, the AMA Motocross television schedule is part of a larger contract where NBCUniversal holds the keys.
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Peacock is the only place to get "The Whole Enchilada." It carries every single moto live. If you only watch the NBC network broadcasts, you’re only getting a fraction of the season—usually "best of" highlights or select live motos. In 2026, NBC is slated to air 11 races total across the entire SMX year (Supercross and Motocross combined), often as encore presentations on Sunday afternoons.
Then there’s NBCSN. This is a 24/7 linear sports network that NBC Sports has leaned into this year for "marquee" events. You'll find select Motocross motos and replay blocks here. It’s great for the "passive viewer" who just wants to leave the TV on and see dirt bikes, but the die-hard fans are almost all on the streaming app.
Why the 2026 Season Feels Different
The stakes are higher this year because of the SMX Playoffs. Every point earned in the outdoor nationals determines the seeding for the three-round postseason in September.
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Last year, we saw Jett Lawrence dominate, but the 2026 landscape is shifting. With Chase Sexton looking for another title and Haiden Deegan moving up the ranks in the 250 class, the parity is actually getting better. Plus, the broadcast technology has leveled up. We're seeing more drone footage and "on-board" audio than ever before. It makes the television experience feel way more visceral.
International Viewers
If you’re reading this from outside the U.S., the domestic ama motocross television schedule on NBC doesn't help you much. You need the SuperMotocross Video Pass. It’s the international equivalent of Peacock, providing live and on-demand access to all 31 rounds. It even includes Spanish and French play-by-play for 2026, which is a nice touch for the global fan base.
Practical Steps to Catch the Action
Don't wait until the gate is about to drop at Pala to figure out your login.
- Check your Peacock Subscription: Make sure you’re on the "Premium" or "Premium Plus" tier. The free version of Peacock does NOT include live SMX racing.
- Download the NBC Sports App: If you have a cable login, this is a lifesaver for watching the NBC network rounds on your phone or tablet when you’re away from the couch.
- Set DVR for NBCSN: If you have a traditional satellite or cable package (like YouTube TV or Xfinity), search for "Pro Motocross" and set it to record "All Episodes." NBCSN often runs late-night replays that are perfect for catching up if you spent your Saturday at the actual track or out riding yourself.
- Check Local Listings for "Race Day Live": Sometimes the qualifying sessions move around. The 10:00 AM PT start time for Race Day Live is the standard, but East Coast rounds often push that earlier.
The 2026 season is going to be a long, brutal summer of racing. Whether you're watching on a 70-inch 4K screen or squinting at your phone in the garage, the ama motocross television schedule is your roadmap to the most physically demanding sport on the planet. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy the roost.