Average ratings for NASCAR on FOX increased for the first time in four years this season. In other news, NBC saw overnights improve for the Premier Boxing Champions series, and the latest USA men’s soccer friendly was among the most-watched this year.

The FOX broadcast network averaged a 4.5 rating and 7.6 million viewers for NASCAR Sprint Cup coverage this season, up 5% in ratings and 9% in viewership from last year (4.3, 7.0M) and the network’s first year-over-year increase since 2011. FOX aired fewer races this year as part of NASCAR’s new television deal, jettisoning low-rated telecasts from Kansas and Dover. (Sports Video Group)

Coverage of the Premier Boxing Champions series earned a 0.95 overnight rating on NBC Saturday afternoon, up 12% from the network’s previous telecast two weeks earlier (0.85). The 0.95 is the second-highest overnight for afternoon PBC coverage on broadcast, trailing only CBS’ debut telecast in April (1.14). (NBC Sports Group Press Box)