NBC, TNT Plan to Continue Joint Venture

NBC and Turner Sports will continue to pursue NASCAR television rights in a joint venture, Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal reports. Media writer Andy Bernstein says NBC will not bring its new cable partner, USA Network, into its effort but will continue its NASCAR rights discussions with Turner, which broadcasts races on its TNT cable station. The NBC/TNT deal, which is said to be worth about $200 million a year, expires after the 2006 Nextel Cup season. Fox's deal for the first half of the season, which is said to be worth $220 million a year, could be extended to 2008 if NASCAR exercises a two-year option. NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter