The Xfinity Series title sponsorship change is now official, as NASCAR will end its partnership with Xfinity after the 2025 season. This shift sets the stage for a new title sponsor, with O’Reilly Auto Parts emerging as a frontrunner to take over in 2026.
O’Reilly Auto Parts Positioned as Leading Candidate for Series Sponsorship
Xfinity’s role as the title sponsor for NASCAR’s second-tier series, a position it has held for 11 years, will conclude after next year’s final race. While Xfinity will retain its connection to NASCAR by continuing as a major partner for the top-tier competition, its entitlement sponsorship of the Xfinity Series is set to cease. The organization’s ongoing involvement reflects its continued interest, but focus will shift away from holding naming rights to the secondary series.
The upcoming departure of Xfinity has prompted NASCAR to seek a new title sponsor, and O’Reilly Auto Parts has been named by Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal as a strong contender. O’Reilly Auto Parts already supports individual races—such as the fall event at Texas Motor Speedway—and its longstanding involvement in the sport makes it a familiar figure within the series. According to industry sources, NASCAR has enlisted Klutch Sports Group, led by NBA agent Rich Paul, to facilitate the sponsorship search. Klutch was reported to be seeking about $10 million annually for rights fees, coupled with an activation fee, bringing the total value of the deal close to $15 million per year.
The transition coincides with NASCAR’s new television rights arrangement, as Nexstar Media Group’s The CW will broadcast all Xfinity Series races starting in 2025. This multi-year deal extends through the remainder of the 2030s, potentially expanding the series’ reach to a new and larger audience base.
Strong Television Ratings Shape the Future of the Xfinity Series
Interest in the Xfinity Series remains high, demonstrated by recent television figures. The Mission 200 at Watkins Glen delivered an average viewership of 1,096,000 on The CW Sports, which is a substantial 41% rise over last year’s event at the same venue and a 54% increase compared to the 2024 Darlington Raceway race. This signals growing enthusiasm for road course races and the overall competition.
The elevated ratings were bolstered by a memorable on-track contest. Connor Zilisch clinched his sixth season win for JR Motorsports, narrowly edging out Shane van Gisbergen in a hard-fought battle that ended when contact between the drivers removed van Gisbergen from contention. The race became even more notable due to a viral moment in victory lane, as Zilisch fell off his car during the celebration, resulting in a broken collarbone that required surgery.
Across all events, the series’ popularity appears to be climbing, a trend that benefits new partners like The CW and may appeal to potential title sponsors such as O’Reilly Auto Parts. NASCAR’s ongoing evolution combines fresh sponsorships and expanding media deals, suggesting a dynamic path forward for both the competition and its growing audience base.
