PREAKNESS STAKES 151 TO BE BROADCAST ACROSS 120 TERRITORIES AND 16 NETWORKS WORLDWIDE
Thursday, 7th May 2026 - The much-anticipated second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes (151st running), takes place this Saturday, 16 May at Laurel Park Racecourse. Known for its distinct rhythm and tactical demands, the race presents a unique challenge where preparation and track conditions can prove determinative.
Global anticipation continues to build, with the 2026 renewal set to reach audiences via 16 broadcast networks across more than 120 territories worldwide. HBA Media, acting on behalf of NBCU and 1/ST, has delivered a truly international distribution footprint spanning every major inhabited continent. Notable growth this year includes expanded coverage in Japan and Southeast Asia, regions renowned for their deep-rooted racing culture and significant wagering engagement.
The full international distribution includes:
- Americas: NBC, ESPN and Disney+ bring Triple Crown coverage to numerous territories across the Americas, while CityTV will broadcast the Preakness Stakes to 14 million monthly Canadian viewers via a renewed rights fee arrangement with Rogers Media.
- Middle East and North Africa: Abu Dhabi Media will showcase the event to a fanatic audience in the region, including the Black Eyed Susan on Friday, 15 May.
- Europe: Sky Sports Racing cover the UK and Ireland through both pay-TV and YouTube distribution. 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 digital racing platform Netkeiba, whose 17 million users represent an important wagering audience for horse racing. State broadcaster TVRI will deliver FTA coverage to approximately 80% of Indonesian households, whilst SPOTV will cater for a further 14 territories in Southeast Asia. WeDo Asia will provide supplementary coverage in the region, as well as extending its reach into Israel and India for the first time.
- Global: Sport24 ensures live coverage aboard six 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 Laurel Park with Mike Tirico leading the coverage alongside analysts Jerry Bailey (Hall of Fame jockey and two-time Preakness winner) and Randy Moss, supported by an array of on-course talent. Their multi-hour international and domestic World Feed will also dedicate 90 minutes to the feature race (18.00 - 19.30 ET / 23.00 - 00.30 BST), an appealing window for international broadcasters.
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