Dale Earnhardt Jr. could take broadcasting talents to Amazon Prime Video in 2025
This year, Dale Earnhardt Jr. let everyone know that his contract with NBC Sports has expired, and he’s a free agent in broadcasting. As one of the most important voices in NASCAR, his talents will be wanted by someone.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has done great at NBC. From his coverage of NASCAR to his time at the Kentucky Derby. However, for one reason or another, the network has allowed his contract to expire.
In 2025, the NASCAR media landscape is only going to grow. FOX and NBC will be joined by TNT/Warner Bros. Discovery as well as Amazon Prime Video. Not to mention The CW will have the entire Xfinity Series season next year.
A report from Sports Business Journal names Amazon as a potential landing spot for Dale Jr. Looking at how Amazon tackled its NFL coverage in the last two years, it could be a sign of what is to come for its NASCAR coverage next summer.
“But given how the deep-pocketed Amazon entered the NFL and brought big-name talent like Al Michaels in front of the camera and Fred Gaudelli behind the scenes, it could become a player for Earnhardt’s services”
So, could we see Dale Jr. move to a streaming platform? It would be quite a move for Prime Video to make. For Earnhardt, it is fewer races in the booth and more time to work on his other projects. Depending on the money, it might make sense for him to make the move.
The two-time Daytona 500 winner has also noted that he’s spoken with all of NASCAR’s media partners. That would include Amazon.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. remains important for NASCAR
The one thing that Dale Earnhardt Jr. brings to NASCAR is authority. If he is part of a broadcast, casual fans and diehards alike will know who he is, understand his story, and most importantly, know that he is someone they should listen to.
He’s been a driver and a team owner. Dale Jr. has been in the booth now for years, too. No matter what project he is part of, his participation raises the legitimacy fo whatever it is. From an NBC broadcast to the Netflix docuseries.
So, why is NBC letting Dale Jr. go? It feels like the network doesn’t care if they lose out on the most important figure NASCAR has in pop culture. Allowing him to go to Amazon would just give them the recognition only Junior can provide.
While we don’t know what next year has in store, it is going to be here before we know it. Dale Earnhardt Jr. might only be available on streaming in 2025. Will that help fans make the move to the streamer if they aren’t already bought in?