Official Broadcast and Streaming Partners for the Indy 500
The Indianapolis 500 is broadcast in the United States by ABC and streamed live on ESPN+ as part of the official media rights deal between the NTT IndyCar Series and Disney. The race is also carried on the IMS Radio Network for audio coverage. For viewers outside the U.S., the event is available through local rights holders such as Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN International in Latin America. These partnerships ensure the race reaches a global audience through both traditional television and digital platforms official broadcast partners.
ESPN+ requires a subscription, but ABC often provides a free over-the-air broadcast window during the race weekend. The 2024 event drew an average of 1.2 million viewers on ABC, making it one of the most-watched races on the network. The live stream is also available on the ESPN app with TV provider authentication, and select clips are posted on the NTT IndyCar Series YouTube channel for free access live stream details.
Free and Low-Cost Ways to Watch the Indy 500 Live
Several free and low-cost options exist for watching the Indy 500 live without a cable subscription. Over-the-air antennas can receive the ABC broadcast in HD for free. Free trial periods on streaming services such as FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV often include ESPN and ABC, allowing viewers to watch the race during the trial window. These services typically cost between $70 and $85 per month after the trial ends.
The official NTT IndyCar Series website and app sometimes offer free live timing and supplemental video content, though the full race stream is restricted to authenticated TV subscribers. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway also provides free live radio coverage through its website and the IMS Radio Network app, which includes commentary from the booth and pit reporters. Some local news stations also stream the ABC broadcast for free on their websites within their designated market areas.
Race Day Logistics, Timing, and Key Facts for 2024
The 2024 Indy 500 took place on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. The race covered 200 laps, totaling 500 miles, and started at 12:45 p.m. ET on ABC. The winner was Josef Newgarden, who finished the race in 2 hours, 58 minutes, and 3 seconds, averaging 167.759 mph. The event had a total attendance of approximately 300,000 spectators over the race weekend, making it one of the largest single-day sporting events in the world race results and attendance.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which hosts the Indy 500, was built in 1909 and has a seating capacity of over 250,000. The event is part of the NTT IndyCar Series, which is sanctioned by the United States Auto Club. The 2024 race purse exceeded $20 million, with the winner receiving approximately $3 million. The race is broadcast in more than 180 countries,