Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Churchill Downs Gallops to Record $582.5M Quarter

  • Churchill Downs reported record second-quarter revenue of $582.5 million.
  • Net income for the company hit a record $339.3 million.
Horses-racing-at-Churchill-Downs
Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Churchill Downs reported record second-quarter revenue of $582.5 million, up from $515.1 million during the same period last year.

Net income also hit a record $339.3 million, a substantial year-over-year jump from $108.3 million. 

The company enjoyed several milestones during the quarter, including the 148th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Racetrack.

  • Churchill Downs’ live and historical racing segment had a record $275.9 million in revenue.
  • The Kentucky Derby brought in a record Derby Week all-sources handle for the racetrack, back to full capacity after pandemic restrictions in 2021. 
  • Churchill Downs Racetrack had a $625.6 million handle during the quarter.
  • The Homestretch Club, a $45 million renovation of the grandstand area, debuted.
  • The company closed on the $291 million sale of 115.7 acres near Calder Casino.

Net revenue for betting brand TwinSpires fell $4.1 million year-over-year. In February, Churchill Downs announced it would exit its larger online sports betting, iGaming operation, and casino business, but keep TwinSpires and its sportsbooks in casinos. 

Net revenue for the company’s gaming segment dropped $1.5 million.

Acquisition Updates

In February, Churchill Downs entered an agreement to purchase “substantially all of the assets” of P2E for $2.45 billion. 

The acquisition includes Colonial Downs Racetrack, six historical racing entertainment venues across Virginia, del Lago Resort & Casino in Waterloo, New York, and the operations of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Sioux City, Iowa.

Churchill Downs has obtained approval from the Virginia Racing Commission, with other approvals pending.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

UFL co-owner Mike Repole speaks to the crowd as the UFL franchise Louisville Kings are introduced at Lynn Family Stadium. Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Mike Repole Invests in Kentucky Derby Owner Amid Push for Change

The billionaire has amassed a 1.5% stake in Churchill Downs.
May 16, 2026; Laurel, MD, USA; Napoleon Solo (10) ridden by Paco Lopez leads Iron Honor (9) ridden by Flavien Prat, Chip Honcho (6) ridden by Jose Ortiz Jr., and Taj Mahal (1) ridden by Sheldon Russell down the stretch during the 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Exclusive

NBC to Retain Media Rights to Preakness Stakes

NBC has held the race’s rights since 2001.
May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) drives past Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first quarter of game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.

First Round of NBA Playoffs Reaches 33-Year Viewership High

Game 7 of the 76ers-Celtics series averaged 11 million viewers.

Kentucky Derby Breaks Viewership Record with 19.6M

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most-watched U.S. sports events.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/14/26 – Live From FOS’s Tuned In: Chris Berman on NFL’s 18-Game Push, Pablo Torre Says He’s Investigating LeBron’s Chopper, and More

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.

Caleb Williams’s Investment Playbook: ‘No Vices’

The Bears QB has put money into sports, tech, and wellness start-ups.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium
February 21, 2026

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Reggie Bush speaks on unionizing college football players during the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the University Club of Pasadena in Pasadena, Calif. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.
March 5, 2026

Former NFL Pros Launch PE Firm for Emerging Leagues

Terrence C. Murphy and Reggie Bush are targeting $150 million for their debut fund.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Pro Team Valuations Are Set to Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
December 27, 2025

‘Why Not the Dodgers?’: How Billie Jean King Became an LA Owner

“Getting involved with the Dodgers literally changed our lives,” Ilana Kloss says.
December 23, 2025

Ben Simmons Buys a Sport Fishing Team

“I think I can really help this league grow,” Simmons told FOS.
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp mascot Scampi waves to fans during Opening Day baseball against the Gwinnett Stripers on March 29, 2024.
December 17, 2025

Private Equity Dives Further Into Minor League Baseball

Seven MiLB teams have changed hands in the last week.