Churchill Downs Incorporated has renewed its partnership with NBC Sports, extending their agreement through 2032. This renewal marks the continuation of a relationship that began in 2001 and will see NBC presenting the Kentucky Derby for a total of 32 editions. This milestone makes NBCUniversal the first media company to have such a long-standing partnership with the Kentucky Derby.
NBC Sports CEO Rick Cordella expressed his pride in this continued partnership, highlighting the network’s commitment to showcasing the rich stories surrounding the Kentucky Derby and maintaining the tradition of in-depth coverage and promotion. Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in the partnership and praising NBC’s artful storytelling and coverage over the last 23 years.
As part of the extended agreement, NBC Sports will have multiplatform rights to broadcast the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Derby and Oaks Day programming on NBC, Peacock, USA Network, and other NBCUniversal platforms. The Kentucky Derby is set to hold its 150th “Run for the Roses” today at 2:30 p.m. ET, with coverage available on NBC and Peacock. This partnership between NBC Sports and Churchill Downs looks set to continue delivering comprehensive and immersive coverage of this iconic event for years to come.