NBC Sports Extends Agreement to Cover Preakness Stakes

An extension of the NBC Sports-Maryland Jockey Club relationship that began in 2001 will make NBC the longest-running home of the Preakness Stakes (G1), as NBC Universal will become the first media company to present the middle jewel of the Triple Crown for three decades (32 editions of the Preakness Stakes from 2001-32). NBC Sports will continue to present the Preakness on NBC and Peacock through 2032, as it joined the Maryland Jockey Club in announcing Aug. 5 a multiyear extension of their partnership. The new agreement features several innovative programming changes: Beginning in 2027, the Preakness Stakes will move one week later on the calendar, to be contested about three weeks (22 days) after the Kentucky Derby (G1). Also beginning next year with the 152nd Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the Triple Crown moves to Sundays in the late afternoon/early evening on NBC and Peacock, marking the first time the race—contested since 1873—will take place on Sunday. Next year that date will be Sunday, May 23. With the Preakness moving to Sunday, the George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) will receive additional weekend exposure, as it will be showcased on Saturday in the late afternoon/early evening on NBC and Peacock. "We are excited to continue our relationship as the media home of the Preakness Stakes and look forward to an enhanced schedule, showcasing Maryland's best races on both Saturday and Sunday" said Jon Miller, president, acquisitions and partnerships, at NBC Sports. "This extension is a testament to the strength of the relationship between the Maryland Jockey Club and NBC Sports and underscores our commitment to horse racing." Maryland Jockey Club celebrated the extension for the classic typically held at Pimlico Race Course. "The Maryland Jockey Club is thrilled to continue its long-standing partnership with NBC Sports for the Preakness Stakes. We believe that moving the Preakness to the fourth Sunday in May and showcasing the excellent Black-Eyed Susan Stakes card on Saturday will transform the weekend for horsemen, bettors, and racing fans alike," said Maryland Jockey Club CEO Bill Knauf. "Governor (Wes) Moore and the state of Maryland have committed significant resources to racing's future, including a rebuilt Pimlico on the horizon, a state-of-the-art training center at Laurel Park, the acquisition of the Preakness Stakes intellectual property, and a fresh path forward for Maryland's iconic racing event. "Preakness Weekend 2027 marks a new era for the state of Maryland, city of Baltimore, our valued partners in the Park Heights community, and all the horsemen who have worked diligently to preserve and enhance horse racing in Maryland." The extension includes multiplatform rights to the Preakness, Black-Eyed Susan, and extensive Preakness weekend programming, which will be presented on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN. The Maryland Jockey Club was advised on the deal by Sports Media Advisors. NBC Sports now has exclusive, long-term media agreements for the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes through 2032, Breeders' Cup World Championships through 2030, and Royal Ascot through 2028.