On Thursday, IndyCar announced that broadcast partner Fox Corporation has purchased a one-third stake in Penske Entertainment. In announcing the deal, Roger Penske said the investment shows that “Fox sees the incredible potential across our sport and wants to play an active role in building our growth trajectory.“
Fox purchase of Penske stake builds on rapid IndyCar success
This growth has so far been shown in not only increased attendance at IndyCar events, but also increased television viewership. As reported in the press release, television viewership has increased 31 percent so far in 2025. This includes a 41 percent increase for the Indianapolis 500 from last year.
Additionally, this new investment will bring a multi-year extension for the current Fox broadcast package. Currently this includes over-the-air coverage for every IndyCar race on Fox. Fox’s cable channels FS1 and FS2, meanwhile, show practice, qualifying, and Indy NXT session.
Fox exec: IndyCar is “everything we value in live sports”
Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks described IndyCar as “everything we value in live sports—passionate fans, iconic venues, elite competition and year-round storytelling potential.”
“This investment underscores our commitment to motorsports and our belief in Indycar’s continued growth on and off the track. We’re excited to help elevate the sport to new heights across all platforms.[…] We’re thrilled to join the IndyCar ownership group at such a pivotal time for the sport.”
Penske: “incredible potential” for the future with Fox and Indycar
Moving forward, IndyCar says that the new investment from Fox in the series will lead to “innovative and industry-leading racing and entertainment events, a hyper-engaged digital strategy and immersive content focus, [and] enhanced promotion and star-building opportunities” for the series’ drivers.
Penske, who bought IndyCar in 2019, is bullish about the future of the partnership. “Fox sees the incredible potential across our sport and wants to play an active role in building our growth trajectory. Lachlan Murdoch and his team, starting with Eric Shanks, are committed to our success and will bring incredible energy and innovation to IndyCar.”
