NBC Sports’ analyst Jeff Burton has been putting some rumors to rest. On the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Burton stressed that while networks have a seat at the table, the decisions are formally in NASCAR’s hands. The 58-year-old further stressed that he was part of one of the decisions that created the current format introduced in 2014, and even then, TV didn’t make this decision. And now one NASCAR insider confirms this stance, and the fans are relieved to hear the news.
It all started in July when NBC found itself under an unspoken microscope. Internal sources had suggested that networks see significant programming value in the elimination-style drama, which translates into higher viewership and more advertising dollars. That places networks like NBC in a delicate spot, needing to weigh fan backlash and internal pressures while protecting broadcast economies tied to the status quo. And when asked directly, Jeff Behnke, NBC Sports’ vice president in charge of NASCAR programming, crystallized the network’s position, saying, “We’ll let NASCAR sort out their vision, and we will produce those playoff races to the best of our ability.”
Now, on the Teardown podcast, Jeff Gluck revealed a decision made by NASCAR’s TV partner NBC regarding the upcoming 2026 playoff format. He said, “Yeah. But we were told in this meeting, this committee meeting, that NASCAR was very pleased with the meeting, the recent meeting they just had with NBC. And NBC — I’m paraphrasing from what I understand — essentially told them, ‘Hey, you guys do what’s best for the sport.’ Okay? You guys make the decision. Don’t we’re, you know, we’re not gonna we’re not making this decision. So, if you think whatever is best, you, NASCAR, you make the decision.”
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Starting in 2025, NASCAR’s races were divided between FOX, NBC, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Amazon as part of a seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights extension. And for some context, NBC has been a major player in NASCAR broadcasting, covering the second half of the Cup Series season since 2015. During that time, the network has introduced innovations like real-time analytics, radio-style commentary, and immersive storytelling features, all designed to deepen fan engagement and bring viewers closer to the on-track action.
Meanwhile, discussions about the playoff format have heated up enough among fans and insiders alike. Suggestions range from trimming the 16-driver field and adjusting the elimination round to rethinking the winner-take-all finale. Amid discussions regarding the playoff format, insiders like Jordan Bianchi suggest a 3-3-4 format. Three rounds of eliminations followed by a multi-race championship series. This structure aims to address complaints that the current single-race finale is overly unpredictable and determined as much by luck as consistency.
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These conversations have moved beyond online forums as well, catching the attention of NASCAR itself. Now that Jeff Burton has shut down the conspiracy that TV execs masterminded the playoff format, the community has a few things to say. Let’s see what that is.
Fans rally behind NASCAR, defending the TV partners’ stance
Fans have been quick to weigh in on the news, with many highlighting the long-standing tension between NASCAR and television entirely. One fan asked, “This is kind of big news? So the biggest barrier to a full-season championship has been conquered ?” Another pointed out the persistent influence of the sport itself, noting, “It’s always been NASCAR’s decision. If NASCAR makes a decision worse for TV, it will manifest itself in the next TV deal.”
And then came a big attack on the very pillars of NASCAR itself, France. A more skeptical voice added, “Well, the France family is still in charge, so no,” reflecting doubts that change will come despite the networks’ involvement. One fan didn’t hold, loading their comment with sarcasm, saying, ” The hit to viewership seems to be working… Let’s go!”
Since NBC Sports hopped aboard the Cup Series schedule in Iowa, things have been going wrong. The sport registered 1.85 million viewers when USA Network, NBC’s partner, visited Watkins Glen. It marked the Cup Series’ third-lowest audience of the year. It is also the lowest audience recorded on USA Network since 1.03 million people watched NASCAR’s 2023 visit to New Hampshire.
This drab result continued at Richmond Raceway, where NASCAR averaged 1.39 million viewers, the USA Network’s fourth-lowest regular-season audience since 2020. Similarly, Gateway, the second race in the Round of 16 playoffs, was also affected by the media partner’s drab streak. TV viewership is taking a hit, and fans have also urged NASCAR to take things more seriously.
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“Other observers focused on the implications for media responsibility and decision-making, and they hope that NASCAR understands what the fans want, with one saying, “No way that NASCAR doesn’t mess this up somehow.” Some emphasize the balancing act required, with one noting, “NASCAR knows the type things TV wants. It’s their problem to balance it with everything else.” One voice summed it up well, saying, “In other words, ‘It’s your f—— mess’…”
A few took a more pointed view, with another one adding, “Huh, I guess they can’t blame the TV networks anymore.” The matter is crystal clear. NBC and other TV partners will hold on to a hands-off approach to the much-awaited 2026 playoff format.