Marty Smith is set to anchor the studio presentation for TNT’s NASCAR Cup Series coverage, marking a homecoming that fans have long anticipated.
The partnership, which takes effect on June 28 at the Sonoma Raceway, will see Smith lead a new lineup of analysts and commentators as TNT prepares to broadcast a slate of races that also includes events in Chicago, Atlanta, North Wilkesboro and Indianapolis.
The arrangement is part of a larger content exchange between TNT Sports and ESPN, under which the latter will assume the broadcast of "Inside the NBA" while gaining sublicensing rights to the Big 12 and the College Football Playoff.
Smith’s representation is handled by CAA’s Matt Kramer, a detail that underscores the high‑profile nature of the move and the strategic value both parties place on the deal.
The transition follows Smith’s two‑decade association with ESPN, where he first joined in 2006 and rose to become the network’s lead NASCAR reporter, overseeing "SportsCenter" and "NASCAR Now" from 2007 to 2014.
Prior to his ESPN tenure, Smith honed his craft at NASCAR.com, served as an analyst on the Speed Channel, and contributed to FSN’s motorsport coverage, building a reputation that now positions him at the forefront of TNT’s racing portfolio.
A New Era for NASCAR Broadcasting
The reshuffling of broadcast rights reflects a broader industry shift, as networks vie for premium sports properties and seek to diversify their racing line‑ups. By tapping a familiar face with deep NASCAR roots, TNT aims to blend fresh production values with the expertise that made Smith a staple in the sport’s coverage.