NBC Sports will break new ground in 2026 by presenting the Kentucky Oaks in primetime for the first time in the storied event’s history. Churchill Downs Incorporated and NBC Sports jointly announced the move Thursday, confirming that the 152nd running of the Kentucky Oaks — a race that showcases the sport’s top three-year-old fillies — will air Friday, May 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on both NBC and Peacock.
The decision to shift the Oaks to a Friday night primetime slot represents a significant strategic play by both NBC and Churchill Downs to increase exposure and grow interest in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby, which remains one of the most-watched events on the sports calendar.
This past year’s Derby broadcast delivered its largest audience for NBC since 1989 with an average of 17.7 million viewers. NBC reported a peak audience of 21.8 million viewers across linear and streaming platforms as Sovereignty crossed the finish line.
“We are excited to present the Kentucky Oaks in primetime for the first time ever,” said Jon Miller, President, Acquisitions & Partnerships at NBC Sports. “With the Oaks on Friday night leading into the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May, we can’t wait to get back to Churchill Downs for another historic weekend of racing.”
Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated, emphasized that the shift is about more than just ratings. “By moving the Kentucky Oaks to primetime, we’re giving one of horse racing’s most treasured traditions the national stage it deserves,” he said. “This decision is rooted in our commitment to growing the sport, reaching new audiences and creating unforgettable experiences for our fans.”
The primetime showcase will also continue to highlight the unique cultural traditions tied to the Oaks, including the race’s signature pageantry now enhanced by what they describe as a “spectacular twilight finish.”
The announcement comes just months after NBC and Churchill Downs renewed their long-standing broadcast partnership in May 2024. The new deal ensures NBCUniversal will continue airing the Kentucky Derby through 2032, marking a 32-year stretch of Derby coverage that began in 2001 — the longest run by any media company in the history of the event.
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