NBC Sports Wins Bid to Keep Preakness Stakes Broadcast Rights
NBC Sports Wins Bid to Keep Preakness Stakes Broadcast Rights
NBC Sports has successfully fended off competition from major streaming and sports media players to retain the media rights to the Preakness Stakes. According to reports, the broadcaster secured the victory against a field of challengers that included Fox Sports, Netflix, and Amazon. While the specific duration of the new contract has not yet been disclosed, an official announcement is anticipated during a press conference in Annapolis, Maryland, featuring Governor Wes Moore.
This decision ensures continuity for the middle jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown, a property NBC has aired since 2001. The network already maintains a long-term agreement for the Kentucky Derby, which extends through 2032. The rights landscape for the Triple Crown remains divided, as Fox Corporation currently holds the media rights to the Belmont Stakes, the series’ final leg.
The renewed interest in the Preakness follows a resurgence in viewership. The 2025 race generated its largest audience since 2021, drawing an average of 5.5 million viewers across NBC and its streaming platform, Peacock. This figure represents a notable 22% increase compared to the previous year.
Parent company Comcast Corporation saw its stock edge up 1.55% to $24.93 on the day. The consolidation of top-tier horse racing content helps bolster Comcast’s sports portfolio amid a competitive media environment. Meanwhile, rival bidder Fox Corporation was relatively flat, closing at $59.08, a gain of 0.65%. The operator of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs Incorporated, experienced a stronger session, rising 2.25% to $85.35.
What to watch
- Official details regarding the financial terms and length of the new Preakness contract.
- Future viewership trends for the Triple Crown series as streaming integration expands.
Source: original release