Wednesday, October 7, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Fanless Derby

Churchill Downs
Michael Clevenger/Courier Journal via Imagn

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Less than two weeks after announcing intentions to have fans at the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby during Labor Day weekend, race organizers decided against allowing spectators. 

A 14% capacity crowd — approximately 23,000 fans — were expected on Sept. 5 at Churchill Downs. Organizers cited the health and safety of the venue’s employees, fans and participants as the reason they changed their mind. 

Attendance Updates: 

— With the NFL weeks away from kick off, more than a third of teams have announced they will start the season without fans; five teams plan on some crowds. 

— NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the 2020-21 season start might be pushed beyond the planned Dec. 1 date to potentially accommodate fans.

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

Colts’ Irsay-Gordon Defends Her Ownership Approach Amid Criticism

Leadership is “about listening,” she told Front Office Sports Tonight.
Basketball - Euroleague - Final - Olympiacos v Real Madrid - Telekom Center, Athens, Greece - May 24, 2026 Olympiacos' Nikola Milutinov in action with Real Madrid's Chuma Okeke and Alberto Abalde

EuroLeague Rejects NBA’s Initial Offer to Collaborate

Owners feel the proposal undervalued EuroLeague, sources tell FOS.

NFL Referees Association to Challenge Officials’ Suspensions

The NFLRA called the penalties “excessive and inconsistent with past precedent.”
A drone view shows the Paramount water tower at Paramount studios in Hollywood and the Hollywood sign, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2026.

Newly Formed Skydance Is a Force in Sports Media

The large-scale deal creates a sports media colossus.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with Draymond Green on “New Media”

0:00

Featured Today

Cubs behind the scenes

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.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.

PGA Championship Tees Off With Free Food, Record Hospitality Sales

General admission includes unlimited food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Ryan Wedding
March 7, 2025

Feds Put $10M Bounty on Olympian for Murder, Cocaine Trafficking

Ryan Wedding competed at the 2002 Winter Games for Canada.
Jun 12, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; St. Louis Blues center Ivan Barbashev (49) and right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating the Boston Bruins in game seven of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden
May 15, 2025

The 10 Biggest Stanley Cup Upsets of All Time

Since the 1984–1985 NHL season, 10 squads have defied the odds.
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.
Caitlin Clark
February 28, 2025

Chicago Sky Finally Move Caitlin Clark Games to United Center

The games could enter WNBA attendance record books.
AAF
February 27, 2025

Six Years After AAF’s Collapse, $180 Million Lawsuit Lives On

A Texas judge will determine whether the collapse was mismanagement or fraud.
San Diego FC
February 19, 2025

$500M San Diego FC Debut Highlights Surging MLS Valuations

Club ownership paid a league-record $500 million expansion fee.
Tom Brady
February 7, 2025

Tom Brady Calls Chiefs Conspiracy Theories ‘BS’

The Fox analyst defended NFL refs ahead of Super Bowl LIX.