NBC Sports and Churchill Downs Incorporated have announced an extension of their partnership, ensuring that the Kentucky Derby will continue to be aired on NBC and Peacock until 2032. This extension makes NBC the longest-running home of the Kentucky Derby, with the network having aired the event since 2001. The extension includes multiplatform rights to the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Derby and Oaks Day programming.
The Kentucky Derby has a rich broadcasting history, with ABC having aired the race from 1975 to 2000, and CBS broadcasting it from 1952 to 1974. NBC also owns the rights to the Derby and the Preakness, while Fox acquired the rights to The Belmont Stakes in 2022.
Saturday’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby will begin on NBC at 2:30 p.m. ET, with the race scheduled to start at 6:57 p.m. ET. Fierceness, the bay colt who won the Florida Derby by 13 1/2 lengths, is the morning line favorite for this year’s race.
Over the years, NBC’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby has evolved significantly. Donna Brothers, an NBC reporter who has covered all 24 Kentucky Derbys for the network, reflected on the changes in a recent interview. She mentioned that when she started in 2001, they only had a two-hour show to cover a two-minute race. Now, they have expanded to two days of coverage, with 7 1/2 hours dedicated to Derby Day alone. Despite the extended coverage, there are still countless stories surrounding the Kentucky Derby that they are unable to tell due to time constraints.
The Kentucky Derby has always been a popular event for viewers, with NBC Sports averaging 15.6 million viewers for the race since 2010 (excluding the COVID-19 year of 2020 when the race was held in September). Last year’s race, won by Mage, had a total audience delivery of 14.8 million viewers across television and Peacock. Although this was a slight decrease from the previous year’s 16 million viewers, the race still peaked at 16.6 million viewers when Mage crossed the finish line.
One interesting aspect of the Kentucky Derby’s viewership is its appeal to female audiences. Approximately 51 percent of the viewership consists of women, making it a unique event in terms of gender demographics.
The partnership between NBC Sports and Churchill Downs Incorporated has ensured that the Kentucky Derby will continue to be a staple on NBC and Peacock until 2032. The extended coverage allows for more in-depth storytelling and analysis of the event, providing viewers with a comprehensive experience. With its long-standing tradition and consistently high viewership, the Kentucky Derby remains one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year.