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After a hard-fought bidding war, NBC Sports is retaining media rights to the Preakness Stakes, Front Office Sports has learned.
NBC had been defending its rights to the second leg of racing’s triple crown. The Preakness has drawn interest from possible bidders such as Fox Sports, Netflix and Amazon, say sources. It’s unclear how long the network’s new deal is for.
Dan Illman, a spokesman for the Maryland Jockey Club, declined to comment. But sources say Maryland Governor Wes Moore and other dignitaries are planning a press conference for 12 p.m. ET in Annapolis on Wednesday, where it will be announced that NBC will continue to carry the race.
The Preakness drew its biggest audience since 2021 this past May, averaging 5.5 million viewers across NBC and Peacock. That was up 22% from 4.9 million in 2025.
NBC has held Preakness rights since 2001. The network also boasts rights to the Kentucky Derby through 2032. Fox holds the rights to the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown.
NBC declined to comment.
