LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As the most celebrated event in horse racing gallops back into the spotlight this weekend, both seasoned enthusiasts and casual viewers can enjoy the spectacle of the 2026 Kentucky Derby from their living rooms.

Taking place at the legendary Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the race is slated for Saturday, May 2, with the starting gun expected to fire around 6:57 p.m. ET.

Broadcast rights are held by NBC and Peacock, ensuring that enthusiasts can follow the action throughout the afternoon.

From noon until 2:30 p.m. ET, undercard races will be covered by Peacock and NBCSN, leading up to the main event.

Peacock and NBCSN will air undercard racing coverage from noon to 2:30 p.m. ET. 

NBC’s main broadcast — the one most viewers will want — begins at 2:30 p.m. ET and runs through 7:30 p.m. ET, airing simultaneously on both NBC and Peacock. 

A final race will air on FanDuel TV at 7:30 p.m. ET. 

The most straightforward option for cord-cutters is to watch live via Peacock. 

For $10.99 a month, an ad-supported Peacock subscription lets you stream all live sports and events airing on NBC, including the Kentucky Derby. For $16.99 a month, subscribers can upgrade to an ad-free plan that includes live access to a local NBC affiliate and the ability to download select titles for offline viewing.

Platforms like FuboTV, YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV also carries NBC and is another live TV streaming option for those who want a broader channel package. The TwinSpires app, a horse racing-specific platform, will offer streaming as well for bettors who want to follow the action there.

No TV? You can listen to the radio broadcast via NBC Sports Audio on Sirius XM.

For the first time ever, NBC will broadcast the Kentucky Oaks, which showcases the best 3-year-old fillies in thoroughbred racing. Catch it in primetime Friday, May 1, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. It’s a significant milestone for a race that has long played second fiddle to its more famous sibling.