Observed Signal · Aug 5, 2026 · Rights Renewal · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
TV (linear) Market: NBC Retains Preakness Rights Over FOX, Netflix, Amazon
NBC Sports has secured a new deal to retain television rights to the Preakness Stakes, reportedly beating bids from FOX Sports, Netflix, and Amazon. Terms were not disclosed; the renewal keeps the race on NBC after more than two decades. NBC has televised the Preakness since 2001 and holds U.S. media rights to the Kentucky Derby through 2032. This year’s Preakness averaged about 5.5 million viewers across NBC and Peacock, a 22% increase versus 2025. Meanwhile, FOX Sports is expanding its horse-racing portfolio via a multi-year agreement with the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club beginning in 2027 and will preview the deal by airing the Pacific Classic on August 22, 2026. The coverage landscape for major horse-racing events remains split across traditional broadcasters and streaming platforms, reflecting intensifying competition for live sports rights.
Live sports rights drives premium TV and streaming inventory; competition between broadcasters and streamers affects ad distribution, audience fragmentation, and strategic media buying.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- NBC Sports secured a new deal to retain television rights to the Preakness Stakes; terms were not disclosed.
- NBC has televised the Preakness Stakes since 2001.
- NBC holds U.S. media rights to the Kentucky Derby through 2032.
- This year’s Preakness averaged 5.5 million viewers across NBC and Peacock, a 22% increase over 2025.
- FOX announced a multi-year agreement with Del Mar Thoroughbred Club to make FOX Sports the home of the track beginning in 2027; FS1 will televise the Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic on August 22, 2026.
Connected Companies & Entities
5 Entities mappedNBCUniversal
Diversified media group spanning TV, streaming, studios and advertising.
“This year’s Preakness averaged 5.5 million viewers across NBC and Peacock, a 22% increase over 2025, underscoring why the event attracted in...”
Netflix
Streaming platform with subscription and advertising revenue.
“NBC Sports has secured a new deal to keep the Preakness Stakes, according to a report from Front Office Sports, fending off bids from FOX Sp...”
Amazon
Global commerce, cloud, advertising and subscription platform company.
“NBC Sports has secured a new deal to keep the Preakness Stakes, according to a report from Front Office Sports, fending off bids from FOX Sp...”
FOX Sports
US sports publisher and streaming media platform.
“NBC Sports has secured a new deal to keep the Preakness Stakes, according to a report from Front Office Sports, fending off bids from FOX Sp...”
Front Office Sports
Sports business publisher monetising audiences through advertising and content production.
“NBC Sports has secured a new deal to keep the Preakness Stakes, according to a report from Front Office Sports......”
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