Fox has purchased a one-third interest in Penske Entertainment inclusive of Indycar and the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Financial details weren’t disclosed.
The move builds on a Fox Sports rights deal from this year, which has also been extended, bringing fresh promotional resources and significantly larger reach to the series. This year’s Indianapolis 500 on Fox averaged 7 million viewers, up 41% from the previous edition and a 17-year high.
The partners said they expect the investment to “supercharge a new era of growth” for the racing and entertainment events with a focus on digital strategy and immersive content, enhanced promotion and “star-building” opportunities for drivers
“This partnership is built on long-standing trust and a shared vision for the future,” said Roger Penske, founder and CEO of Penske Entertainment parent, transport company Penske Corp. “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.”
So far, the 2025 NTT Indycar Series season is averaging a 31 percent increase in viewership year-over-year. “We’re thrilled to join the INDYCAR ownership group at such a pivotal time for the sport,” said Eric Shanks, CEO & Executive Producer, FOX Sports. “INDYCAR represents 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.”
The partners cited wider momentum across the sport, marked by rising attendance and record crowds at several events this year, including a sell-out of the Indy 500. Indycar has invested heavily in digital growth recently, launching a new mobile app, website and fantasy platform while also generating 1 million new social followers. The series will also add a new showcase to its calendar in 2026, racing through Arlington’s entertainment district through a first-of-its-kind joint venture with the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers.
Deadline is owned by Penske Media Corporation, which is not affiliated with Penske Entertainment.
