Friday September 22, 2023
The Best Employers in Sports Survey is Now Open!

NBC’s Kentucky Derby Audience Grows 8%

  • With a TV-only audience of 15.8 million, the Derby was NBC’s most-watched TV show since the Super Bowl.
  • Stunning overhead video of Rich Strike’s come-from-behind win viewed 36 million times.
2022 Kentucky Derby ratings were up.
Syndication: The Courier-Journal
Front Office Sports Today

Could Promotion-Relegation work in College Football?

The proposal aims to create an exciting media product while reducing travel for non-football sports.
Listen Now
September 21, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

The Kentucky Derby still delivers a big TV audience — especially when the venerable race generates a thrill ride like Saturday’s contest.   

NBC Sports’ coverage of the 2022 Derby generated a total audience delivery (TAD) of 16 million viewers, up 8% from 14.9 million for last year’s race. 

Viewership across NBC and Peacock peaked at 19 million after 80-1 long shot Rich Strike and jockey Sonny Leon wove their way through the field to capture the race at the finish line. 

It marked the largest “peak” audience for the Derby since 2017. Overall, this weekend’s race was the most-watched Run for the Roses since 2019.

Peacock live-streamed the Derby for the first time. This year’s race was the most-streamed ever, with a record average minute audience (AMA) of 247,300 viewers across NBCUniversal’s platforms. With a TV-only audience of 15.8 million, the Derby was NBC’s most-watched TV show since the Super Bowl.

Besides announcer, Larry Collmus’ exciting race call, the most-talked-about element of the coverage was a stunning overhead video of Rich Strike’s charge to victory.

Captured via airplane, the video has been viewed more than 36 million times across NBC’s social media platforms and YouTube channel. It is NBC’s most-watched TikTok ever, with 11.6 million views.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sponsored

How Daktronics Helps Elite Athletic Programs Secure Top Talent

How colleges are utilizing Daktronics' displays to elevate recruiting.

WBD Pursues ‘Different’ Strategy For Sports on Max

Company to place all of its live sports on new streaming tier
Deion Sanders

Colorado's Epic Victory Sets New ESPN Prime Time Viewership Record

Coach Prime Deion Sanders delivered in prime time on ESPN.
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker speaks at post game press conference after 31-7 win over Central Michigan at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Mel Tucker Firing Would Prevent $80M Buyout on Historic Contract

Tucker was suspended after a report of alleged sexual harassment.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Could Promotion-Relegation work in College Football?

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

Teams without secured venue situations could be left out of a potential XFL-USFL merger.

XFL-USFL Merger Could Drop Teams, Change League Name

Teams without secured venues could be cut from a XFL-USFL merger.
September 21, 2023

Rupert Murdoch's Exit Leaves Lasting Fox Sports Legacy

Rupert Murdoch steps down as chairman of Fox Corp. and News Corp.
Could ESPN lose events such as the NBA Finals if it sold ABC.
September 21, 2023

Selling ABC Poses Billion-Dollar Dilemma for Disney and ESPN's Future

Losing ABC would create complications as ESPN enters NBA rights negotiations.
Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs the ball against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks during the first half at Albertsons Stadium.
exclusive
September 20, 2023

The First Official Proposal for Promotion-Relegation In College Football

Realignment is forcing Group of 5 schools to rethink their structure.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations
Deion Sanders and The Rock

Deion Sanders Reshaping College Football Fanbase With Buffaloes Surge

Deion Sanders has made Colorado "Black America's Team."
NBC will reportedly pay $287 million annually across five years to air broadcast on USA Network.
September 21, 2023

NBC Inks WWE SmackDown Rights for Reported $1.4 Billion

The reported rights fee is about 40% higher than SmackDown's Fox deal.
September 20, 2023

Can Amazon Keep Up NFL Viewership Boost After Record Week 1?

The San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants face off on Thursday night.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is tripped up by New York Jets defensive end Solomon Thomas in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium.
September 20, 2023

NFL Viewership Sees 2% Increase in First Two Weeks of 2023 Season

The NFL is experiencing its highest viewership since 2018.
Joe Buck and Troy Aikman
September 18, 2023

'Monday Night Football' Returns To ABC Amid Entertainment Breakdown

ABC will simulcast 15 regular season "Monday Night Football" games.
September 15, 2023

DSG Looks To Use NHL Kings Deal As Reorganization Model

Agreement arrives as bankrupt RSN operator nears deadline for reorganization plan
September 14, 2023

Netflix Fatigue May Be Hitting Sports Docuseries

Netflix cameras won't have full access at the Ryder Cup.
September 14, 2023

NBA Cracks Down On Player Rest Ahead of Multi-Billion Dollar Rights Talks

NBA rest days will be regulated as league prepares for rights talks.