How To Watch Kentucky Derby 2026 Live Online, Livestream Horse Racing

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The first race of the 2026 Triple Crown is here with Kentucky Derby. The 152nd annual running of the horse-racing event features 20 thoroughbreds and jockeys on Saturday, May 2.

Want to watch Kentucky Derby? Here’s what you need to know.

When Is Kentucky Derby 2026? Date, Time

Broadcasting on NBC, Kentucky Derby takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, May 2. The start time for the horse race at 6:57 p.m. ET/3:57 p.m. PT. yet, NBC Sports‘ coverage starts at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT.

How to Watch Kentucky Derby Online

though Kentucky Derby horse-racing event is streaming on Peacock online, it’s also available to watch on NBC. The best way to watch NBC without cable is through web-based cable alternative services, such DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV and Sling Blue.

DirecTV

DirecTV offers NBC with their “Choice” package and above with prices starting at $84.99/month for the first three months of service ($94.99/month afterwards), while the service includes more than 125 channels — such as ABC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, FOX Sports, TNT and others. The streamer has a free 5-day trial available, which is more than enough time to watch online for free. You can either cancel or keep the service after the free trial is over.

NBCUniversal

The Kentucky Derby livestream is accessible on Peacock, so the best way to watch the horse-racing event is to purchase a subscription starting at $10.99/month here.

Not a subscriber? You can get a Peacock monthly subscription to stream Kentucky Derby online, and keep it to watch other hits — including “Wicked,” “The Wild Robot,” “How To Train Your Dragon,” “Oppenheimer,” “The Traitors,” “Vanderpump Rules” and others.

Luckily, the 152nd annual running of the Kentucky Derby is not a pay-per-view event, so there is no PPV price needed. You can watch Kentucky Derby online simply with a Peacock subscription.

Sling TV

Sling is one of the best options for affordable live streaming is with the Sling Orange + Blue package, which goes for $60.99/month afterwards. The package includes NBC. Please note: Pricing and channel availability are subject to your local TV market.

Hulu

Starting at $89.99/month, Hulu + Live TV is a great option for live channel streaming access to NBC, along with more than 95 other channels, as well as access to hit originals on Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited.

How to Watch Kentucky Derby Online Free

Unlike some streamers, Peacock does not currently offer a free trial. But, there’s a clever workaround with a 30-day Walmart+ free trial. Walmart+ comes with Peacock, so you can sign up for retailer’s membership to watch the Kentucky Derby for free.