NBC Sports and Churchill Downs extend media rights partnership

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), a company dedicated to delivering extraordinary entertainment for nearly 150 years with the Kentucky Derby, one of the most-anticipated horseracing events in North America, confirmed it extended its long-term partnership with NBC Sports, the popular American programming division of the broadcast network NBC.

Initially, the two companies joined forces more than two decades ago, in 2001. After 23 years of successful collaboration, NBC Sports and CDI confirmed the latest partnership extension. As a result, NBC Sports will continue to host the Kentucky Derby on NBC and Peacock through 2032.

The extended agreement includes multiplatform rights not only for the Kentucky Derby but for Kentucky Oaks, Derby and Oaks Day programming. Per the terms of the extended deal, the aforementioned fixtures will be presented through 2032 on NBC, Peacock, USA Network as well as more NBCU platforms. Ultimately, the collaboration will designate NBC as the only media company to present the famous Kentucky Derby for more than 30 years without interruptions.

Rick Cordella, NBC Sports' President, shared his excitement about the latest partnership extension with CDI in a statement. "Telling the rich stories surrounding the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May is part of the fabric of NBC Sports, and we are thrilled to continue that tradition with Churchill Downs," he explained. Finally, Cordella pointed out: "We look forward to surrounding the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby with wall-to-wall coverage and extensive promotion on the platforms of NBCUniversal."

Bill Carstanjen, CDI's CEO, was just as excited about the multi-year partnership extension. He said: "As we celebrate the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs is proud to extend the relationship with NBC Sports." Last but not least, Carstanjen pointed out: "As our media partner for the last 23 years, NBC has artfully captured the most exciting two minutes in sports and the spectacle of the senses that surrounds it."

The 150th Kentucky Derby wrapped up over the weekend after a win by Mystik Dan. The heated race had an equally dramatic and exciting finish, considering that three horses were reaching for the finish line with Mystik Dan winning after a close call with Forever Young and Sierra Leone.

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