How to watch the 2026 Kentucky Derby: timing, streaming details and more

The 152nd Kentucky Derby is closing in!

The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports returns on Saturday, May 2, which means it’s time to don your springtime formal wear and get your bets going.

RECOMMENDED: The 5 best cocktail recipes to serve at your Kentucky Derby watch party

Not going to Churchill Downs in Louisville? That’s OK—the 2026 “Run for the Roses” will be covered from top to bottom this weekend by NBCSN and Peacock, including five hours of Kentucky Oaks day racing and the first-ever Kentucky Oaks broadcast on Friday, May 1, through the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2, showcasing a total of 16 live races.

To prepare for the big day, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to watch the Kentucky Derby this weekend.

What time does the Kentucky Derby start?

Post time is 6:57pm EST on Saturday, May 2. Live coverage on NBC/Peacock starts at 2:30pm EST and lasts seven-and-a-half hours.

What is the official Kentucky Derby coverage schedule?

Where can I watch the Kentucky Derby live?

You can watch live on NBC, Peacock, the Telemundo app, Universo and FanDuel TV or livestream it on DIRECTV (which has a free trial for new users).

How many races are there and which races should I watch?

There will be 10 races to watch on Saturday. NBC says you’ll want to keep an eye on morning-line favorite Renegade (4-1), who had an impressive come-from-behind victory in the 2026 Arkansas Derby (G1); 2026 Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner Further Ado (6-1); this year’s Florida Derby (G1) winner Commandment (6-1) who is entering the Derby on a four-race win streak; 2026 Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) runner-up Chief Wallabee (8-1); and 2026 Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner The Puma (10-1).

What are the odds?

What will I be able to see during the Kentucky Derby?

There will be a “phantom camera” for super slo-mo replays and reactions; two live drones—one providing race coverage and a second capturing the pageantry between races; “red” cameras to capture fashion, the red carpet and scenes from around Churchill Downs; four nucleus cameras to provide a unique super slo-mo look at photo finishes; multiple mobile phones to capture immediate live reactions from the connections of the derby horses; extended skycam coverage providing a live scope of the horses, trainers and fans watching in the unique amphitheater-style paddock; a backstretch “bat cam,” which flies alongside the horses at high speeds as they race down the backstretch; multiple jockey cameras and a camera mounted to the outrider; a camera focused on race caller Larry Collmus; and multiple cameras placed around the track.

Who is hosting the Derby coverage on NBC?

NBC Sports’ coverage of the Kentucky Derby features host Mike Tirico; analyst Jerry Bailey, the Hall of Fame jockey and two-time Kentucky Derby winner; and Randy Moss; handicappers Eddie Olczyk and Matt Bernier; host/reporter Ahmed Fareed; reporters Britney Eurton, Donna Brothers, Kenny Rice, and Nick Luck; and race caller Larry Collmus.

Rebecca Lowe will be feature host and explore the pageantry surrounding the “Run for the Roses;” Steve Kornacki returns as insights analyst for his sixth Derby; Dylan Dreyer will serve as fashion and lifestyle host; TODAY style correspondent Zanna Roberts Rassi will report on all race day looks; and NBC Sports’ John Fanta will be a reporter on the infield, covering the lively atmosphere in the lead-up to the “Run for the Roses.”