NBC Sports Group and The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) have reached a long-term agreement extending NBCSG's exclusive rights to the Belmont Stakes, it was announced today.
The renewal extends the partnership which began in 2001 and since such time,
NBC has televised nine of the past 14 Belmont Stakes (2001-05, 2011-14). The extension includes multi-platform rights to the Belmont Stakes, Belmont Stakes Day, and key stakes races throughout each year, which will be televised on
NBC and
NBCSN and featured on NBC's digital platforms. The Metropolitan Handicap on Belmont Stakes Day, the Belmont Gold Cup Invitational, the Belmont Oaks on July 4, the Wood Memorial, various summer races from Saratoga, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup are also among the high-profile NYRA races that
NBC Sports Group will showcase.
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.
This Saturday, June 6 at 4:30 pm. ET,
NBC will televise the running of the 147th Belmont Stakes, featuring America Pharoah's bid to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.
"We are excited to extend our partnership with the New York Racing Association for the Belmont Stakes and NYRA's other high-profile races," said
NBC Sports Group Chairman Mark Lazarus. "Also known as 'The Test of the Champion,' the Belmont Stakes is a prominent feature of our Championship Season. 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," stated Chris Kay, Chief Executive Officer and President of the New York Racing Association. "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 at Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga."
The 2014 Belmont Stakes on NBC, featuring California Chrome's Triple Crown attempt, averaged 20.5 million viewers - the second-highest Belmont Stakes viewership on record, trailing only the 21.9 million viewers for NBC's telecast of Smarty Jones' Triple Crown attempt in 2004 (People Meter viewership dates to 1988). The 2014 Belmont Stakes was one of only two TV shows in the second quarter of 2014 to average 20 million viewers.
ABOUT
NBC SPORTS GROUP
When the Comcast-NBCUniversal transaction was completed in January 2011, the sports assets of the two companies combined to form
NBC Sports Group, which serves sports fans
24/7 with premier live events, insightful studio shows, and compelling original programming. The sports media company consists of a unique array of sports assets, including
NBC Sports,
NBC Olympics,
NBCSN (NBC Sports Network), Golf Channel, 10
NBC Sports Regional Networks,
NBC Sports Radio and
NBC Sports Digital.
NBC Sports Group possesses an unparalleled collection of television rights agreements, partnering with some of the most prestigious sports properties in the world: the International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic Committee, the NFL, NHL, NASCAR, PGA TOUR, PGA of America, Churchill Downs, Premier League, Tour de France, French Open, Formula One,
INDYCAR and many more.
ABOUT THE NEW YORK RACING ASSOCIATION (NYRA)
Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York's three major tracks (Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course) through 2033, the New York Racing Association's mission is "Meeting the highest standards in thoroughbred racing and equine safety." With a lineage of nearly 150 years, NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State's thoroughbred industry, which contributes more than $2 billion annually to its urban, suburban and rural economy. In 2014, more than 1.7 million people attended live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring in nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totaled more than $10 million. For more information, visit NYRA.com
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