The 2026 Kentucky Derby runs Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Post time is 6:57 p.m. ET, and the race airs live on NBC and Peacock. This guide covers every way to watch the 152nd Run for the Roses, including free options, streaming services, and international broadcasts.
Kentucky Derby 2026 Quick Facts
- Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Post Time: 6:57 p.m. ET
- Venue: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
- Edition: 152nd Run for the Roses
- U.S. TV Channel: NBC
- U.S. Streaming: Peacock
- Spanish Coverage: Universo, Peacock
- NBC Main Coverage Starts: 2:30 p.m. ET
- Early Coverage Starts: 12:00 p.m. ET (Peacock, NBCSN)
How to Watch Kentucky Derby 2026 in the United States
NBC holds the U.S. broadcast rights to the Kentucky Derby. The main race airs live on NBC and streams on Peacock at the same time. Coverage runs all afternoon, but the race itself goes off at 6:57 p.m. ET.
Watch on NBC
NBC starts its main Derby Day broadcast at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 2. Coverage runs through 7:30 p.m. ET. If you have cable, satellite, or a digital antenna, just tune in to your local NBC station. No subscription needed beyond your normal TV service.
Stream on Peacock
Peacock streams the entire Kentucky Derby live. The ad-supported plan costs $10.99 per month. The ad-free Premium Plus plan costs $16.99 per month and adds a live local NBC feed. Peacock is the simplest option for cord-cutters who want the full broadcast.
Peacock also carries the early undercard from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET, which simulcasts on NBCSN. If you want every race on the card, Peacock has it.
Live TV Streaming Services
Several live TV services carry NBC and let you watch the Derby without cable:
- FuboTV includes NBC, NBCSN, FS1, and FS2. A 5-day free trial is available for new users.
- YouTube TV carries NBC and most regional sports networks.
- Hulu + Live TV includes NBC in most markets.
- DirecTV Stream offers NBC plus a 5-day free trial.
- Sling TV Blue includes NBC in select cities only. Check your zip code first.
How to Watch Kentucky Derby 2026 Live Stream Free
You have two solid free options for watching the Kentucky Derby live.
Option 1: Digital Antenna
A digital antenna pulls in NBC over the air at no cost. If you live within range of a local NBC affiliate, this is the cheapest way to watch the Derby. A basic indoor antenna costs around $20 to $40 and works well in most cities. The picture is broadcast in HD, and there is less delay than streaming.
Option 2: Free Trial of a Live TV Service
FuboTV offers a 5-day free trial that includes NBC. Sign up the day before the Derby, watch the race, and cancel before the trial ends. DirecTV Stream offers a similar free trial. This works as a one-time free option, but you can only do it once per service.
A Note on YouTube
The official Kentucky Derby YouTube channel streams race week coverage and behind-the-scenes content for free. The main race itself is not streamed live on YouTube due to NBC’s exclusive U.S. rights. You can find replays and highlights there after the race.
Kentucky Derby 2026 TV Schedule
Here is the full Derby Day schedule on Saturday, May 2, 2026. All times are Eastern.
| Time (ET) | Event | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Early Derby Day coverage | FanDuel TV |
| 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Undercard races | Peacock, NBCSN |
| 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Main NBC broadcast | NBC, Peacock |
| 6:57 p.m. | Kentucky Derby post time | NBC, Peacock |
| 7:30 p.m. | Final race | FanDuel TV |
Kentucky Oaks (Friday Night)
The Kentucky Oaks runs Friday, May 1, 2026, at Churchill Downs. NBC’s primetime broadcast starts at 8:00 p.m. ET, and the Oaks itself goes off at approximately 8:40 p.m. ET.
This is the first time in the race’s 152-year history that the Oaks airs in primetime on a major broadcast network. Earlier Oaks Day undercard coverage streams on Peacock and NBCSN starting at 4:00 p.m. ET.
How to Watch Kentucky Derby 2026 in Spanish
Universo carries the Spanish-language simulcast of the Kentucky Derby for U.S. Hispanic audiences. The same broadcast streams on Peacock under the Spanish audio option. FuboTV also includes Universo in its Latino package, so subscribers get Spanish coverage at no extra cost.
How to Watch Kentucky Derby 2026 Outside the United States
The Kentucky Derby reaches more than 170 territories through HBA Media’s Crown Jewels Racing distribution package. Below are the official 2026 international broadcasters confirmed for major Derby markets, along with the local start time for the 6:57 p.m. ET post.
Canada
CityTV is the official Canadian broadcaster of the Kentucky Derby. Canadian fans can watch on cable, on the CityTV app, or on Citytv+ streaming. Post time in Eastern Canada is 6:57 p.m. ET, the same as the United States. Pacific viewers see it at 3:57 p.m. PT.
United Kingdom and Ireland
Sky Sports Racing and Racing TV both carry the Kentucky Derby live in the UK and Ireland. Local post time is 11:57 p.m. BST on Saturday night.
Japan
Netkeiba streams the Kentucky Derby to its 17 million users in Japan. Japanese interest is high in 2026 because two Japan-based horses, Danon Bourbon and Wonder Dean, are in the field. Both are bidding to give Japan its first ever Kentucky Derby win. Post time is 7:57 a.m. JST on Sunday morning.
United Arab Emirates and Middle East
Abu Dhabi Media carries the Derby across the MENA region. UAE racing fans have extra reason to tune in this year, since UAE Derby winner Wonder Dean and runner-up Six Speed both qualified for Churchill Downs through Meydan in Dubai. Local post time is 2:57 a.m. GST on Sunday.
India
FanCode holds exclusive Indian streaming rights and reaches 160 million homes. The OTT service offers a low-cost pass for the race. Post time in India is 4:27 a.m. IST on Sunday.
South America
ESPN and Disney+ carry the Kentucky Derby across South America and the Caribbean. Megamedia provides free-to-air coverage in Chile. Post time is 7:57 p.m. BRT in Brazil and 6:57 p.m. CLT in Chile.
Europe
Viaplay covers Scandinavia and the Netherlands. Polsat broadcasts the Derby in Poland. WeDo Sports streams the race in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Local post time across most of continental Europe is 12:57 a.m. CEST on Sunday.
International Quick Reference
| Country / Region | Broadcaster | Local Post Time |
|---|---|---|
| United States | NBC, Peacock | 6:57 p.m. ET (Saturday) |
| Canada | CityTV, Citytv+ | 6:57 p.m. ET (Saturday) |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports Racing, Racing TV | 11:57 p.m. BST (Saturday) |
| Ireland | Sky Sports Racing, Racing TV | 11:57 p.m. IST (Saturday) |
| Brazil | ESPN, Disney+ | 7:57 p.m. BRT (Saturday) |
| Chile | Megamedia, ESPN | 6:57 p.m. CLT (Saturday) |
| United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi Media | 2:57 a.m. GST (Sunday) |
| Japan | Netkeiba | 7:57 a.m. JST (Sunday) |
| India | FanCode | 4:27 a.m. IST (Sunday) |
| Germany, Switzerland, Austria | WeDo Sports | 12:57 a.m. CEST (Sunday) |
| Poland | Polsat | 12:57 a.m. CEST (Sunday) |
| Scandinavia, Netherlands | Viaplay | 12:57 a.m. CEST (Sunday) |
If you are in a country not listed above, check your local sports channels closer to race day, as some broadcasters confirm rights in the final week. The official Kentucky Derby YouTube and social channels share clips and highlights worldwide.
How to Watch the Kentucky Derby on Mobile
Every option above works on mobile devices. The Peacock app runs on iPhone, iPad, Android phones, and Android tablets. The NBC app and NBC Sports app also stream the race for users who sign in with a cable provider. FuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu all offer their own apps.
For the smoothest mobile stream, use a strong Wi-Fi connection. Cellular data works, but a two-hour broadcast can use 4 to 6 GB of data, so check your data plan first.
How to Listen to the Kentucky Derby 2026
If you cannot watch on TV or stream, NBC Sports Audio carries the live race call on SiriusXM Channel 85. The radio call covers the full afternoon and includes interviews with trainers and jockeys before the race.
Kentucky Derby 2026 Field at a Glance
The 2026 Derby field features 20 horses drawn from the American, Japan, and European/Middle East qualifying paths. Renegade drew the No. 1 post position and opened as the 4-1 morning-line favorite under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. Trainer Todd Pletcher saddles his 65th career Kentucky Derby starter, the most in race history.
Other key contenders include Further Ado, trained by Brad Cox, who won the Blue Grass Stakes by 11 lengths under Irad Ortiz Jr. With Ortiz choosing to ride Renegade in the Derby, Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez takes the mount on Further Ado. Chief Wallabee, trained by 2025 Derby-winning trainer Bill Mott, is another contender to watch. Mott’s son Riley Mott makes his Derby debut with Albus and Incredibolt.
The 2026 field has a strong international flavor. Two Japan-based horses, Danon Bourbon and Wonder Dean, are chasing Japan’s first ever Kentucky Derby win. Danon Bourbon qualified through the Japan Road, while Wonder Dean punched his ticket by winning the UAE Derby in Dubai. Dubai-based Six Speed, runner-up in that same UAE Derby, also made it to Churchill Downs through the European/Middle East path.
The 2025 Kentucky Derby was won by Sovereignty on a sloppy track at Churchill Downs. The 2026 winner takes home $3.1 million from the $5 million purse, shared among the winning horse’s owner, trainer, and jockey.
Kentucky Derby 2026 Viewing FAQs
What channel is the Kentucky Derby 2026 on?
The Kentucky Derby 2026 airs live on NBC. Spanish coverage runs on Universo. Earlier undercard races are on NBCSN, and FanDuel TV carries pre-race programming.
What time does the Kentucky Derby 2026 start?
The Kentucky Derby 2026 post time is 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 2, 2026. NBC’s main broadcast starts earlier at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Can I watch the Kentucky Derby 2026 free?
Yes. You can watch the Kentucky Derby for free with a digital antenna that picks up your local NBC station. You can also use a 5-day free trial from FuboTV or DirecTV Stream.
Where can I stream the Kentucky Derby 2026?
You can stream the Kentucky Derby 2026 live on Peacock, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or DirecTV Stream. Peacock is the official NBC streaming home of the Derby.
How can I watch the Kentucky Derby outside the U.S.?
The Kentucky Derby airs in more than 170 territories. Canadians watch on CityTV. UK and Ireland fans tune in to Sky Sports Racing or Racing TV. Japan has Netkeiba, India has FanCode, and the UAE has Abu Dhabi Media. South American viewers can watch on ESPN and Disney+.
How long is the Kentucky Derby race?
The Kentucky Derby is run at 1 1/4 miles and usually finishes in about two minutes. That is why it is called the most exciting two minutes in sports.
Where is the Kentucky Derby held?
The Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The track has hosted the race every year since 1875.
The 2026 Kentucky Derby has plenty of viewing options. NBC and Peacock cover the race live for U.S. viewers, with free options for cord-cutters using a digital antenna or a streaming free trial. Universo handles Spanish-language coverage in the U.S., and international fans across Canada, the UK, Ireland, Japan, the UAE, India, Brazil, Chile, and continental Europe can find the race on their local Crown Jewels Racing partner.
Lock in your stream early, set a reminder for 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 2, 2026, and enjoy the 152nd Run for the Roses.
