Extreme H secures first major broadcast deal with Fox Sports in US

Extreme H, the world’s inaugural hydrogen-based motorsport series, has secured its first major broadcast deal with Fox Sports in the US.

Contract:

• Three-year deal will see races air on FS1 and FS2
• Fox Sports has been home of Extreme E in the US for last four seasons

Context:

This is a boost for the hydrogen-based series at a time of great uncertainty. Extreme E, which will switch to become Extreme H next season, had to curtail the remainder of its 2024 season due to financial difficulties and it is unclear whether it will be able to have a proper conclusion.

Fox Sports, meanwhile, is looking to cement itself as the home of motorsport alternatives to Formula One in the US. The network is providing full coverage of IndyCar from next season and it retains a marginally reduced segment of the Nascar season, but being attached to the hydrogen-based series also allows Fox Sports to be seen as taking a forward-thinking approach with its broadcast strategy.

Comment:

“We’re delighted to continue our incredible collaboration with Fox Sports and expand our relationship to include Extreme H,” said Ali Russell, managing director of Extreme E and Extreme H.

“Hydrogen is the future of clean mobility, and FS1/FS2 will play a vital role in bringing this next-generation motorsport to American fans.

“A special thanks to [Fox Sports president and chief executive] Eric Shanks and his continued support of sporting innovation. Together, we will showcase the excitement of hydrogen racing while inspiring action around sustainability and the future of our planet.”

Bill Wanger, head of programming and scheduling for Fox Sports, added: “At Fox, we are committed to delivering innovative, groundbreaking sports content to our viewers, and Extreme E has been a phenomenal example of this.

“Extending our relationship into the Extreme H hydrogen series is an exciting step as it reflects the future of motorsport and the possibilities of clean energy. We look forward to continuing to share this innovative and purpose-driven sport with fans across the US.”

Coming next:

Launching in 2025, concrete details remain scarce for Extreme H. The series has unveiled its car for next season so everything appears to be progressing as planned, but the lack of information around the conclusion of the Extreme E season is adding a level of uncertainty.

Go deeper:

• ‘Extreme E is not ending, it’s getting better’: Ali Russell clarifies the series’ hydrogen-powered future
• Ali Russell on Extreme E’s broadcast strategy, new markets, and the goal of hydrogen-powered racing