KENTUCKY DERBY ACHIEVES GLOBAL REACH ACROSS 170+ TERRITORIES AND 19 NETWORKS WORLDWIDE
- International broadcast and streaming distribution secured across five continents - bringing America's greatest race to a worldwide audience for the 2026 season.
Friday, 1st May 2026 - Tomorrow – Saturday, 2nd May - Churchill Downs plays host to Kentucky Derby 152. Hailed as 'the most exciting two minutes in sport', the Run for the Roses attracts 150,000 spectators and commands a cultural footprint that extends far beyond the track. HBA Media, acting on behalf of NBC Sports and Churchill Downs Incorporated, is proud to announce that this year's edition will be seen by audiences across five continents, with broadcast and streaming rights secured across 19 networks in more than 170+ territories.
It’s not just the Kentucky Derby in focus, with the Kentucky Oaks broadcast today (Friday, 1st May) in a prime-time slot on NBC Sports for the first time. HBA Media have ensured this heightened exposure window is replicated globally, with Abu Dhabi Media (MENA), ESPN (South America, Caribbean) and Sky Sports Racing (UK) also showcasing the Friday card.
HBA Media’s 2026 distribution effort spans every major inhabited continent with standout developments seeing expansion into Japan and Southeast Asia - markets with deep horse racing traditions and significant wagering audiences. The participation of Japanese hopeful Danon Bourbon in the feature race will be cheered home by millions in the territory.
Other confirmed deals include:
Americas: ESPN/Disney+ delivers Triple Crown coverage across 49 territories in Latin America and the Caribbean, while CityTV brings the Derby to 14 million monthly Canadian viewers via a renewed rights fee arrangement with Rogers Media.
Middle East and North Africa: Abu Dhabi Media return to cover the Kentucky Derby and Oaks card, catering to a fanatic audience in the region.
Europe: Sky Sports Racing and Racing TV cover the UK and Ireland through both pay-TV and YouTube distribution, complemented by free-to-air (FTA) network Virgin Media. Viaplay's three-year deal ensures prominent placement across Scandinavia and the Netherlands. Further coverage is secured in Poland (Polsat), Turkey (D-Smart), DACH (WeDo Sports), and across the Balkans and Eurasia (Setanta).
Asia & Oceania: Significant expansion in the region with Japan covered by legacy broadcaster Green Channel alongside digital racing platform Netkeiba, whose 17 million users represent an important wagering audience for Churchill Downs. State broadcaster TVRI will deliver FTA coverage to approximately 80% of Indonesian households, whilst SPOTV extends reach across a further 14 territories in Southeast Asia.
Global: Sport24 ensures live coverage aboard seven airlines and 20 cruise ships worldwide, while a renewal with Reuters guarantees post-event news distribution to media organisations across the globe.
NBC Sports will broadcast live from Churchill Downs, with Mike Tirico leading the coverage - supported by Britney Eurton, Nick Luck and an array of on-course talent. Their five-hour international and domestic world feed will dedicate 90 minutes to the feature race (18:00 – 19:30 ET / 23:00 – 00:30 BST).
Patrick Troutman, SVP at Churchill Downs, said: “We’re delighted that, through our collaboration with NBC Sports and HBA Media, the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will once again capture the attention of sports and racing fans worldwide in its 152nd year.”
Gary Quinn, VP of Partnerships & Owned Properties, NBC Sports, said: “We’re proud to deliver the most expansive distribution strategy ever for the Kentucky Derby as NBC Sports presents the iconic ‘Run for the Roses.’”
Frank Sale, Chief Executive of HBA Media, added: "The Kentucky Derby is as iconic as it gets in horse racing. With 19 broadcasters across 170+ territories locked in for the 152nd edition of the race - we are immensely proud of the global audience that will be tuning into the World Feed. Huge thanks go to Churchill Downs and NBCU, whose partnership and collaboration continue to make that global reach possible."
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