For First Time Ever, NBC Sports to Present Kentucky Oaks in Primetime – Friday, May 1, 2026, on NBC and Peacock

Core Points - NBC Sports will present the Kentucky Oaks in primetime for the first time on May 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, enhancing the event's visibility and audience reach [2][3] - The Kentucky Derby, America's oldest major sporting event, will take place on May 2, 2026, and the previous year's event was the most-watched since 1989, peaking at 21.8 million viewers [3] - Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has extended its partnership with NBC Sports, making NBC the longest-running broadcaster of the Kentucky Derby, covering 32 editions from 2001 to 2032 [4] Company Overview - Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has been creating entertainment experiences for over 150 years, with a focus on the Kentucky Derby and expansion into live racing, online wagering, and casino gaming [5]