Roger Penske, owner of the NTT IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has submitted a public comment to the FCC regarding the current American sports television landscape.
The Federal Communication Commission requested such comments in a filing (PDF link) earlier this year.
The filing outlines the history of sports television in the United States, and highlights how modern streaming and subscription models have made it harder for fans to follow their favorite sports throughout the year.
Though the FCC’s notice itself does not make any recommendations to change the current sports broadcast landscape, it serves as a way to ask for input from people and organizations in the business to better understand the situation.
Penske addressed Chairman of the FCC Brendan Carr in his letter (PDF link), and voiced his approval for keeping sports on free to air television.
“As the proud owner of the NTT lndyCar Series, I have seen first-hand what broadcast television can do for a sport,” read Penske’s letter.
“Last year, Penske Entertainment and FOX partnered to bring the entire lndyCar series to viewers across America – with every race airing on the FOX Broadcast Network. The result was undisputed.
“Ratings were up double digits with the Indianapolis 500 drawing more than 7 million viewers – a 41% jump and the most-watched Indy 500 since 2008. Through the first three races of the 2026 series, viewership has climbed an additional 48%.
Penske then tied his series’ charitable and non-profit work to the expanded viewership, making a case that over the air coverage directly relates to helping communities that receive the signal.
IndyCar as a case study
Carr has previously made similar conclusions as Penske, and has discussed what he sees as societal benefits linked to freely available sports broadcasts.
While his recent comments seem to stem from a recently-launched investigation regarding the NFL’s current broadcast deals, Penske felt his series’ recent transition to a full free-to-air model could be used as an example.
IndyCar had been partnered with NBC before last season, which was placing most practice sessions and some races on its streaming Peacock service.
In contrast, FOX has broadcast all sessions on traditional television and all races on over-the-air channels since taking over in 2025.
“The lndyCar Series is a definitive case study in the power of broadcasting,” continued Penske in the letter.
“Recent viewership data from the 2025 and 2026 seasons provides undisputed evidence that moving sports from fragmented cable and streaming models to a broadcast-first approach creates unparalleled audience growth and unparalleled access much to the delight of viewers.
“The data is clear: sports thrive on broadcast television. Protecting this ecosystem is essential for the fans, sports teams, and the local communities that depend on the strength of their local broadcast stations. I commend you for your efforts.”
It is unclear what action could be taken to ensure a more traditional, and arguably accessible, sports broadcast model in America, or if such action will result from this request for comment.
Discussion about this post