NBC, NYRA Extend Belmont Stakes Contract
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NBC Sports Group has struck a deal with the New York Racing Association that gives it exclusive broadcast rights to the grade I Belmont Stakes, third leg of the Triple Crown, through 2020.
The contract renewal extends a partnership that began in 2001. Since that time NBC has televised nine of the 14 editions of the Belmont Stakes, from 2001-05 and 2011-14.
NBC Sports Group has an agreement to televise the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) through 2025. It is currently negotiating with The Stronach Group, which operates the Maryland Jockey Club, to extend its broadcast rights for the Preakness Stakes (gr. I), second leg of the Triple Crown.
The extension with NYRA includes multi-platform rights to the Belmont Stakes, Belmont Stakes day, and key stakes throughout each year that will be televised on NBC and NBCSN and featured on NBC's digital platforms, officials said. Some of the 2015 races to be broadcast are the Belmont Gold Cup Invitational June 5, the Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I) June 6, the Belmont Oaks (gr. IT) July 4, major races from Saratoga Race Course this summer, and in future years the Wood Memorial Stakes (gr. I) at Aqueduct Racetrack in April.
NBC Sports International will continue to distribute NBC's coverage of the Belmont Stakes globally through the term of the deal. NBC Sports Radio will broadcast the Belmont Stakes through the term of the deal as well.
"We are excited to extend our partnership with the New York Racing Association for the Belmont Stakes and NYRA's other high-profile races," NBC Sports Group chairman Mark Lazarus said in a release. "This extension is a testament to the strength of the relationship between NYRA and NBC Sports Group, and underscores NBC's commitment to the sport of horse racing."
"We are thrilled to extend our strong partnership with NBC Sports," NYRA president and chief executive officer Chris Kay said. "NBC Sports has given our great sport an unprecedented platform to further cultivate and grow a new generation of racing fans, and they have offered an unparalleled focus on the most prestigious races run at the New York Racing Association's three championship tracks."
Live coverage of this year's Belmont Stakes will begin at 4:30 p.m. EDT June 6 on NBC.