Friday, April 17, 2026

Fanless Derby

Churchill Downs
Michael Clevenger/Courier Journal via Imagn

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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

How Taylor Swift’s Catalog Led Her Former Label Boss Into Sports

Scott Borchetta profited greatly from the sale of Swift’s masters.
A smartphone showing the Netflix logo is held in front of a television displaying the Netflix home screen with Top 10 content rows in Paris, Ile de France, France, February 28, 2026. The scene illustrates video on demand streaming and second screen viewing on connected devices.

Netflix: There’s ‘Opportunity to Expand the Relationship’ With NFL

The streaming giant touts big results from its live sports content.

Damon Jones Will Plead Guilty in NBA Betting Case

Jones will appear at a hearing April 28 in Brooklyn.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

NBA Bends 65-Game Awards Rule For Doncic, Cunningham

Anthony Edwards, meanwhile, lost his appeal.

Featured Today

blake griffin

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.
St. John's Zuby Ejiofor

Why Rev-Share Era Hasn’t Been a Boon for Basketball-Only Schools

Power conference men’s basketball rosters aren’t restricted to the rev-share cap.
NBA Cup
November 26, 2025

Luka Dončić Wants ‘Dangerous’ NBA Cup Court Designs Changed

Dončić first complained about the court designs two seasons ago.
February 11, 2026

Jameis Winston Says He’s Given Seven Figures to Florida State

Winston led Florida State football to its last national championship. 
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
Fernando Tatis
October 6, 2025

Arbitrator Says Tatis Jr. Must Pay Big League Advance Millions

Tatis has called the agreement a “predatory” loan.
September 3, 2025

Ohio State–Texas Showdown Was Most-Watched Week 1 CFB Game Ever

Fox drew 16.62 million viewers on Saturday afternoon.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Woodi Washington (5) runs after a reception during the Armed Forces Bowl football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
August 19, 2025

Oklahoma Selling Fans Tickets to Press Conferences

Press conference tickets for the Sooners’ season opener are already sold out.
August 11, 2025

NBA Christmas Slate Leans on LeBron, Steph; Bets on Flagg

The Lakers, Warriors, and Rockets are all in action.