Peacock will continue to be the streaming home for one of horse racing’s most cinematic weeks. Royal Ascot isn’t going anywhere as NBC Sports just extended its media rights deal that will continue to bring comprehensive coverage across digital and linear platforms. By keeping the ratings-friendly Royal Ascot in the stable, NBC fills prime real estate with live event-driven, appointment viewing content for its streaming and traditional audience.
With the extension, NBC Sports will be the exclusive US home of Royal Ascot races through 2028. The partnership dates back to 2017, and going forward, NBC Sports properties will cover all 20+ hours throughout all five days of the mid-June meet. NBC Sports aims to bring more focus to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships with more coverage of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series “Win and You’re In” qualifiers in 2026.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Royal Ascot to showcase their incredible racing and pageantry each June, while connecting the event to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which is the focus of the sport as the season concludes each fall,” said Gary Quinn, VP of Partnerships & General Manager of Owned Properties, NBC Sports.
“Showcasing Royal Ascot around the world is so important for our brand so we are thrilled to extend our successful partnership with NBC Sports. The team do an amazing job of bringing the stories to life and sharing the magic of the week with American viewers and we are excited that this will continue,” said Felicity Bernard, Chief Executive Officer, Ascot.
NBCUniversal is preparing a relaunch of the NBC Sports Network later this year, and the company has been strengthening its sports programming over the last few months. The upcoming network gives the company a second, powerful place to showcase event coverage, highlights, and overflow windows. Reports indicate that NBC could land Sunday Night Baseball, which would join a stacked roster that includes a record-setting NBA, NFL, USGA, the Kentucky Derby, the Olympics, and others across Peacock and NBC broadcast.
“Royal Ascot is one of the sport’s most storied stages, and we’re proud to expand our collaboration with such a globally revered event and our partners at NBC Sports,” said Drew Fleming, President & CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited. “At its core, the Breeders’ Cup is about bringing the world together through a shared passion for Thoroughbred racing. This expanded partnership strengthens that mission—creating unforgettable moments, connecting fans across continents, and showcasing the finest horses as they journey toward the World Championships.”
