How to Tune in to Kentucky Derby 2026 Online

The Kentucky Derby is on NBC, so you can watch it for free if you have a local NBC station and an antenna. If you’re a cord-cutter and you either can’t or don’t want to watch the free over-the-air broadcast, you have several options to stream the Kentucky Derby online.

The official NBC Sports stream of the event offers a short trial viewing period, and you can also catch the race on a streaming service like YouTube TV or Sling TV.

How to Stream the Kentucky Derby From NBC

The Kentucky Derby is broadcast over the air by your local NBC station. That means you can watch it for free with a television and an antenna. If you have a cable or satellite subscription, or you’re able to borrow a friend or family member’s login information, stream the race through NBC Sports.

The NBC Sports stream is accessible through any modern web browser. Additionally, there is an NBC Sports app for your phone or tablet, as well as streaming apps that broadcast NBC, which are compatible with TVs and game consoles.

Here’s how to stream the Kentucky Derby through NBC Sports:

1. Visit the NBC Sports Kentucky Derby page and select the stream when the event goes live.

   NBC only offers a short live preview. If you have a cable or satellite subscription, use that to remove the time limit.

2. If your preview runs out and you have a cable or satellite subscription, scroll down and click Verify Now.

3. Select your cable or satellite provider, and then log in to your account. The live preview limit will be removed, letting you stream the entire event.

What Streaming Services Include the Kentucky Derby?

If you’re a cord-cutter, the best way to stream the Kentucky Derby is through a TV streaming service. These services are a lot like cable, and they provide live access to many of the same channels, but they are accessed through the internet.

In addition to Peacock, which is NBCUniversal’s streaming service, there are these options:

• Hulu + Live TV: NBC is available in most markets through this service. Check this service first, and move on if they don’t cover your area. Get a free trial of Hulu here to watch the Kentucky Derby for free.
• YouTube TV: This service offers wide coverage for NBC, and you can take advantage of the YouTube TV trial to access the free stream.
• DIRECTV: Formerly AT&T TV Now, this service has deals with many NBC stations, so it’s worth trying if you haven’t had any luck yet.
• Sling TV: NBC is available in a few markets from this service, and the price is great, especially if you opt for the Day Pass from Sling TV. If your area is covered, this one’s worth trying out.

Streaming the Derby on Mobile, Streaming Devices, and Consoles

You can stream the Kentucky Derby on mobile devices like phones and tablets, and also on streaming devices like the Roku, as well as gaming consoles. The same services that stream the Kentucky Derby on your computer are also available for these devices.

Here are the apps you’ll need to stream the Kentucky Derby through NBC Sports:

How to Stream the Kentucky Derby Audio for Free

NBC sports radio stations broadcast coverage of the Kentucky Derby, and you can listen in for free through the Horse Racing Radio Network.

You won’t be able to watch through this method because it’s a stream of a radio broadcast, but it does allow you to catch the action for free if you don’t have any other options.

Here’s how to stream the Kentucky Derby audio for free:

1. Navigate to horseracingradio.net.

2. Select Listen Live on the left.

3. Click the Play button.

   The player is surrounded by banner advertisements and may be difficult to locate. Look for the HRRN logo with a play button superimposed over it.

Is There Any Other Way to Stream the Kentucky Derby for Free?

In addition to the Horse Racing Radio Network, you can also stream the Kentucky Derby on any NBC Sports Radio stream—SiriusXM (channel 85) is one example. If you have an NBC Sports Radio station in your area, you can also listen with your radio, and you may be able to listen through that station’s website.

The other way to listen to, or even watch, a free live stream of the Kentucky Derby is through a sports betting site. The official site endorsed by the Kentucky Derby is TwinSpires. If you have a membership, these sites typically allow you to watch a live feed of races like the Kentucky Derby straight from the track.

When you watch a race like the Kentucky Derby through a betting site, you only get to watch the race. Everything else that surrounds the race, including the festivities that go on throughout the day, can only be watched on NBC streams.