You’ve probably been searching for the "NASCAR Sprint Cup television schedule" out of habit, but here’s the thing: that name is ancient history in the racing world. Sprint hasn't been the title sponsor since 2016. Honestly, if you're looking for where the cars are running in 2026, you're looking for the NASCAR Cup Series.
It’s confusing. I get it. The sport has jumped through more name changes and TV deals lately than a restrictor-plate pack at Talladega.
We’re currently in the second year of a massive $7.7 billion media rights deal that completely changed how we watch races. Gone are the days of just flipping between FOX and NBC. Now, you’ve basically got a four-headed monster of broadcasters: FOX, Amazon Prime Video, TNT Sports, and NBC. If you don't have a login for at least one streaming service, you're going to miss chunks of the summer.
Tracking the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Television Schedule
The 2026 season kicked off with a bang at Bowman Gray Stadium for the Clash on February 1st. But the real meat of the schedule is where things get tricky.
For the first 14 races, including the Daytona 500 on February 15th, FOX and FS1 are your go-to spots. They handle the "West Coast Swing" and the early spring short tracks. If you’re a fan of the tradition of Mike Joy’s voice calling the Great American Race, that hasn't changed. But once the calendar hits late May, you need to reach for your remote—or your laptop.
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The Summer Streaming Shift
Everything changes starting with the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24th.
Amazon Prime Video takes over for a five-race exclusive stretch. This was a huge deal when it was announced. It means for races like the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan (June 7) or the brand-new San Diego Street Race (June 21), you won't find them on cable. You need a Prime subscription. Period.
After Amazon finishes its run, TNT Sports steps in for another five races. These are simulcast on TNT and the Max streaming service. This stretch includes the return of Chicagoland Speedway on July 5th and the Brickyard 400 at Indy on July 26th.
NBC and the Final Push
Once we hit August 9th at Iowa Speedway, NBC Sports takes the wheel. Most of these late-summer and playoff races land on USA Network, with the big events like the regular-season finale at Daytona (August 29) and the Championship Race at Homestead-Miami (November 8) airing on the main NBC broadcast channel.
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Why "Sprint Cup" Fans Might Feel Lost
If you haven't followed closely since the Sprint era, the 2026 season is going to look very different. For one, the playoff format just got a massive overhaul. NASCAR brought back "The Chase" format this year.
It’s a throwback to the 2004–2013 era. The "win-and-you’re-in" system is gone. Now, drivers have to be consistent all year to make the top 16 in points. It’s a move that many veteran fans—the ones who still call it the Winston Cup or Sprint Cup—actually seem to like. It rewards the guys who finish in the top five every week rather than someone who gets one lucky win and then disappears.
The 2026 Broadcast Lineup at a Glance
Let’s break down who is showing what, because trying to remember which app to open is a headache.
- FOX / FS1: The first 14 points races plus the Clash and the All-Star Race (which is at Dover this year on May 17).
- Amazon Prime Video: 5 exclusive races starting with Charlotte in May and ending with the San Diego Street Race in June.
- TNT / Max: 5 races starting with Sonoma on June 28 and ending with Indianapolis on July 26.
- NBC / USA Network: The final 14 races, covering the entire postseason.
One thing to keep in mind: The CW has become the exclusive home for the Xfinity Series (now officially called the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series). So if you’re looking for the Saturday races, don't bother with FS1 or USA anymore. You'll find them on local broadcast TV on The CW.
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New Tracks and Notable Times
NASCAR is really leaning into variety for 2026. The San Diego Street Race at Naval Base Coronado on June 21 is a huge experiment for the U.S. Navy's 250th anniversary. That one starts at 4 p.m. ET on Prime.
Then there’s the finale. For years, we’ve finished at Phoenix. Not this time. The 2026 Championship is headed back to Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 8th. Most fans have been begging for this for years because the multi-groove racing in Florida is objectively better for a title fight than the flat mile in Arizona. NBC will carry that one at 3 p.m. ET.
Actionable Steps for the 2026 Season
If you want to make sure you actually see the green flag every week, you need a strategy.
- Check your streaming logins now. You’ll need Amazon Prime by May 24th and Max (or a cable package with TNT) by late June.
- Update your DVR keywords. Since you're likely still thinking of the "nascar sprint cup television schedule," make sure your DVR is actually set to record the "NASCAR Cup Series." If you have an old series recording saved, it probably won't trigger for the new broadcast names.
- Download the NASCAR App. It’s the easiest way to see the "live" network for each specific weekend because the start times (ranging from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET) fluctuate wildly this season.
- Find your local CW affiliate. Since the secondary series moved there exclusively, you might need to re-scan your digital antenna if you don't use cable.
The 2026 season is a weird mix of nostalgia—with the return of The Chase and Homestead—and the high-tech future of streaming-only races. It’s a lot to keep track of, but the racing has rarely been this unpredictable.