Put on your finest hat: Here’s how to stream the Kentucky Derby live (potentially for free)

The leading streaming offers to view the 2026 Kentucky Derby live:

Best Overall:
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Best Introductory Offer:
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Best Live TV Streaming Offer:
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Place your bets, don your finest hat, and prepare a [mint julep](https://www.kentuckyderby.com/party/recipes/drinks/woodford-reserve-classic-mint-julep). It’s once more time for the Kentucky Derby, everyone.

The 2026 Kentucky Derby marks the 152nd iteration of the yearly horse race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. As usual, coverage will extend for over eight hours, but the actual race will occur in an instant. There’s a reason they refer to it as The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports. Here’s what you need to grasp so you don’t miss a crucial moment — and how to view everything leading up to it.

When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The 152nd Run for the Roses is set for Saturday, May 2. Coverage will commence at noon ET on Peacock and NBCSN and transition to NBC at 2:30 p.m. ET. The race’s post time is established for 6:57 p.m. ET. Ensure you’re tuned in well before that so you don’t miss anything.

Who is favored to win the Kentucky Derby 2026?
Following a few scratches prior to the official race, the [favorite](https://www.nbcsports.com/2026-kentucky-derby-full-field-odds-analysis-of-each-horse-and-predictions) is currently Renegade (5-1), with Commandment (6-1) and Further Ado (6-1) closely trailing. Chief Wallabee (8-1) and The Puma (10-1) complete the top five favorites. Odds are likely to fluctuate as bettors place their wagers before the race.

How to watch the 2026 Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby TV coverage kicks off at noon on Saturday, May 2, on NBCSN and will transfer to NBC at 2:30 p.m. ET. The official post time for the race is 6:57 p.m. ET, with coverage concluding around 7:30 p.m. ET. No cable? No issue. Cord-cutters can also stream the Kentucky Derby live on Peacock or via a paid TV service such as YouTube TV or Sling.

Peacock subscriptions start at $10.99 monthly, while most live TV subscriptions provide introductory trial offers before starting at approximately $20 monthly. Want to avoid full price? Below, we have gathered the best strategies to save on your subscription.

Best Peacock streaming deals

Best long-term Peacock offer
– Peacock Premium yearly subscription: $109.99 per year or $169.99 per year (save 17%)
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While a Peacock Premium monthly subscription typically costs $10.99,