As the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships kick off, anticipation is high with sprint icons like Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson expected to headline the action. The talent on the track is undeniable, and the performances promise to be world-class. Yet, for many fans, one question remains frustratingly unclear: how to watch it all unfold live. Despite the star-studded lineup, early rounds from Day 1 and Day 2 appear to be receiving limited broadcast visibility. That gap in coverage hasn’t gone unnoticed, with fans taking to social media to voice their disappointment and confusion over where to find the events…
Taking to her X handle, Track and Field Journalist, Lillz TIL asked, “So… how are WE watching US Trials then? Who has got a link for me?” So, why did she ask that question? It’s well known that the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships can be watched on Peacock, NBC, or USATF TV. What exactly is the issue? The only issue the community has is that Day 1 and Day 2 will not be televised on live TV, and they won’t even be available on Peacock, only on USATF.TV.
The bottom line is that fans will now have to pay a monthly subscription of $12.99 just to watch the 2025 Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships. It’s quite a significant fee, especially considering that the U.S. selections conclude on August 3rd. Ultimately, the community will have to comply with USATF’s demands. The third day will be telecast by Peacock and NBC, but the coverage will be very limited.
This is quite sad, considering the fact that reports suggest there has been a massive decrease in average viewership over the past decade. The sport has been struggling to remain a compelling spectator event and media product in the U.S., despite featuring hotshots like Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Cole Hocker, Gabby Thomas, Quincy Wilson, and many more.
So… how are WE watching US Trials then? Who has got a link for me?
— Lillian (@LillzTIL) July 31, 2025
Despite the electrifying performances by the athletes, viewership remains limited, and fans aren’t buying into it. They’ve taken to social media to voice their concerns. Let’s take a closer look at what they have to say.
Furious fans slam USATF for failing to promote the sport despite having Noah Lyles
If we were to sum up the feelings of the fans in one word, then ‘disappointing’ would be the perfect choice. With limited viewership due to high costs, fans are now shifting to live pages, as one fan writes, “It’s looking like we’ll be watching it from the live results page.” It must be noted that the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials saw viewership increase dramatically compared to 2021, up 38% for track events, but it was mainly due to leniency from the promotion, which we can see lacks here.
Additionally, a fan pointed out that even after paying the hefty $12.99 subscription fee, you still can’t watch it on multiple devices: “They only allow one device per login.” Reacting to the fan’s comment, the Track-and-Field journalist stated, “Not even Netflix does that.” Furthermore, a fan has found peace with the fact that USATF will never change, despite the falling popularity, “Dwl, I will be following the live result link and watching my movies.”
Another fan also expressed frustration at USATF’s lack of effort in making the sport accessible to viewers, “LIKE…..? This is what I’m trying to figure out. @usatf, you should pay for your crimes. @peacock, this is why the state of T&F is what it is in the USA.” Last but not least, a user highlighted the pay issue, “It’s $12.99 for a month membership. Technically £9 to watch over the 3 days or so..”
The fans are already fed up with the way USATF has been carrying on with its operations. Recently, they announced the prize money for the athletes who participate in the event. According to the official breakdown, individual national champions will receive $8,800, while silver and bronze medalists will earn $6,600 and $4,400, respectively. Athletes placing fourth to seventh will receive descending amounts, ranging from $3,300 to $1,100.
The athletes give their all to compete at the event, yet this is what the USATF is paying them. Fans have raised concerns about the issue as well. Interestingly, on the first day of the event, reigning champion Noah Lyles announced that he’s done with the 100m at the USATF Outdoor Championships and will now shift his focus to the 200m after finishing 5th in the 100m race. With the competition heating up, fans are growing more sour towards USATF’s judgment, but will they take action? Time will tell.
The post NBC Blunder at USATF Nationals Sparks Fan Outrage: “Not Even Netflix Does That” to Sha’Carri Richardson & Noah Lyles appeared first on EssentiallySports.