NEW YORK (AP) — Horse racing’s Triple Crown will be broadcast on NBC through 2015.
The network will announce the deal later Tuesday, marking the first time since 2005 the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes will be broadcast by the same network.
The deal includes more than 25 hours of race programming split between NBC and Versus, which is owned by NBC Sports Group. Terms were not disclosed.
Versus will also carry the Kentucky Oaks, the filly version of the Kentucky Derby.
NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol said the network is uniquely positioned to expand the reach of racing’s three biggest jewels.
Viewership of the Kentucky Derby has risen significantly over the last decade. Super Saver’s win last May drew 16.5 million viewers.
