Churchill Downs Extends Kentucky Derby Broadcast Partnership with NBC Through 2032
NBC will remain the broadcasting partner for the Kentucky Derby.
Churchill Downs Racetrack reached a new agreement with its longstanding media partner, NBC Sports.
This agreement provides NBC Sports with the exclusive rights to broadcast the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks, and the preceding races.
Viewers can access coverage on NBC, Peacock, USA Network, and other NBCUniversal platforms.
“As we approach the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs is delighted to extend our collaboration with NBC Sports,” remarked Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated.
“Over the past 23 years, NBC has served as the broadcasting home for this celebrated sporting event, expertly capturing the spectacle of the Kentucky Derby and its memorable moments with top-tier production.”
This multi-platform and streaming agreement will remain in effect until 2032, subject to renewal or extension.
“It is both an honor and a privilege for NBC Sports to document the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May, and we eagerly anticipate continuing our partnership with Churchill Downs,” stated Rick Cordella, President of NBC Sports.
“We are thrilled to showcase the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby across NBCUniversal’s various platforms, providing comprehensive coverage and promotion.”
The 150th Kentucky Derby attracted 16.7 million viewers, marking the largest viewership since 1989, as reported by local news outlets.
Notably, this was also the first Kentucky Derby held since the state legalized sports wagering in August of the previous year.
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An underdog thoroughbred, Mystik Dan, boasting improbable 18-1 odds, attracted an unexpected $7 million in bets. This unforeseen wave of support helped propel Churchill Downs racetrack to a staggering $590.9 million in earnings for the initial quarter of 2024, as disclosed in their recent financial statement.