The 2024 Kentucky Derby, celebrating its milestone 150th running, will take place at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday of May, in Louisville, Kentucky.
This event not only kicks off the Triple Crown races but also promises a spectacular show with 15 races over two days. NBC will broadcast the main event on May 4, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. ET, and the live action can be streamed directly on Peacock.
For horse racing enthusiasts and cord-cutters alike, there are several excellent ways to enjoy the Kentucky Derby without traditional cable. These include using a TV antenna to catch the broadcast for free or accessing NBC through various live TV streaming platforms.
How to Get the Kentucky Derby in 2024
Here is a breakdown of on how to watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby live without cable, detailing free trials, monthly prices, and key channels:
| Streaming Service | Free Trial | Monthly Price | Key Channels |
| DIRECTV STREAM | Yes | $79.99 | NBC, ESPN, TNT, HGTV, USA Network |
| Peacock | No | $5.99 | NBC |
| Hulu Live TV | Yes | $76.99 | NBC, ESPN, HGTV, USA Network, CNN |
| Fubo | Yes | $79.99 | NBC, ESPN, NBC Sports, HGTV, USA Network |
| Sling TV | No | $40.00 | NBC (in select markets), NFL Network, A&E |
| YouTube TV | Yes | $72.99 | NBC, ESPN, Oxygen Network, USA Network, CNN |
All these platforms include NBC, giving you access to not only the Kentucky Derby but other significant horse racing events like the Kentucky Oaks, Preakness Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup.
NBC’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby will be hosted by Mike Tirico, with expert analysis from Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey and veteran reporter Randy Moss. They will bring insights and commentary throughout the event.
Schedule of Kentucky Derby Week Events
- Kentucky Oaks Day: Races begin on May 3, 2024, with coverage on USA Network and Peacock starting at 1 p.m. ET.
- Derby Day: Coverage starts at noon ET on May 4, 2024, on USA Network and Peacock.
- Pre-Derby Races: Detailed descriptions of races leading up to the main event.
Stream the Kentucky Derby on Peacock: The Most Affordable Option
Peacock provides a cost-effective solution for streaming the 2024 Kentucky Derby on NBC, making it one of the most affordable ways to watch the event live, apart from using a TV antenna.
With a Peacock Premium subscription at only $5.99 per month, you can access not only the Derby but also other major horse racing events including the Kentucky Oaks, Black Eyed Susan (May 17), and Preakness Stakes (May 18), which are also broadcast on USA Network and CNBC.
Peacock doesn’t just limit its offerings to horse racing. Subscribers can enjoy a wide range of live sports such as Sunday Night Football, Notre Dame Football, Premier League, NASCAR, INDYCAR, and WWE events.
Beyond sports, Peacock streams full seasons of popular shows like “The Voice,” “Saturday Night Live,” “Yellowstone,” and “The Office.”
Peacock Premium Plus is available for $11.99 per month, offering additional features such as a live, local NBC stream.
Whether you have a Smart TV from brands like LG, Hisense, Vizio, Samsung, or one powered by Google TV and Android TV, Peacock is ready to stream. It’s also compatible with Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast with Google TV, ensuring you can watch where it suits you best.
Peacock’s subscription model is straightforward with no hidden fees or long-term commitments, allowing you to enjoy the Derby and more without a hefty price tag. Whether you’re a horse racing fan or just looking for a budget-friendly streaming option.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | $5.99/mo. | On-demand |
| Premium Plus | $11.99/mo. | NBC live & on-demand |
Watch the Kentucky Derby Online: Hulu Live TV
Hulu Live TV offers a comprehensive way to enjoy the 2024 Kentucky Derby, broadcasting it live along with more than 90 other TV channels, including local NBC stations. This service provides a robust channel lineup for a variety of interests: A&E, ESPN, HGTV, USA Network, NBC Sports, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, and Telemundo, ensuring entertainment for every member of the family.
In addition to entertainment, Hulu Live TV covers all major local channels like ABC, CBS, and FOX. News enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of CNN, MSNBC, and FOX News in the package.
Priced at $76.99 per month, Hulu Live TV offers not only a vast array of channels but also unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and watch the Derby at your convenience.
Subscribers also gain unlimited access to three major streaming libraries: Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu’s own streaming library. This adds significant value, providing a wide range of movies, TV shows, and sports content.
Hulu supports a variety of devices, ensuring you can watch wherever you prefer. Compatible devices include Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Xbox consoles, and iOS and Android devices. You can watch TV or on-demand content on two screens simultaneously, perfect for families or sharing with a roommate.
Hulu Live TV is once again offering a brief free trial.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) | $76.99/month | 90+ |
| Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) | $89.99/month | 90+ |
Get the Kentucky Derby on DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM offers the thrill of the 2024 Kentucky Derby through NBC, included in its Entertainment channel bundle. You can start with a 5-day free trial to experience the service without any commitments, and if it suits your needs, continue for $79.99 per month.
When you subscribe to DIRECTV STREAM’s Entertainment package, you gain access to over 75 channels including sports favorites like ESPN and TNT, lifestyle channels such as HGTV and the Hallmark Channel, as well as all major local channels like CBS, FOX, and ABC. The package also includes unlimited Cloud DVR, allowing you to record and save all your favorite moments without worrying about space.
Families or households with multiple viewers will appreciate the ability to stream live TV on an unlimited number of screens within the home. Plus, the service boasts a large on-demand library with more than 40,000 TV shows and movies available anytime.
New subscribers have an additional perk: a three-month free trial of premium channels such as HBO Max, Showtime, STARZ, and Cinemax. After the trial, you can choose to continue with these channels at their regular subscription rates.
DIRECTV STREAM can be watched on various devices including Smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast with Google TV, and Apple TV. With no long-term contracts, subscriptions are month-to-month, offering you the flexibility to change or cancel your plan at any time.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $79.99/month | 75+ |
| Choice | $108.99/month | 105+ |
| Ultimate | $119.99/month | 140+ |
| Premier | $164.99/month | 150+ |
Kentucky Derby Without Cable on Fubo
Fubo offers a versatile streaming solution that brings the excitement of the 2024 Kentucky Derby right into your home.
With NBC available in nearly every U.S. market, you won’t miss a moment of the action. Fubo’s Pro plan boasts an extensive selection of over 202 channels, mirroring the variety you’d expect from a traditional cable TV subscription but with the flexibility of streaming.
With Fubo, not only can you enjoy the Kentucky Derby on NBC, but the service also includes a variety of mainstream entertainment channels such as HGTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, USA Network, and the Hallmark Channel. Sports fans will appreciate the comprehensive sports coverage with channels like ESPN, Big Ten Network, PAC-12 Network, and regional Bally Sports and NBC Sports networks.
- 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR: Record and save all your favorite sporting events and shows, ensuring you never miss a game or episode.
- Multi-screen viewing: Watch on up to three screens simultaneously, perfect for multi-viewer households.
- Free 7-day trial: Test out the service before committing to see if it meets your needs.
The subscription is priced at $79.99 per month, with a regional sports fee ranging from $11.99 to $14.99 per month. Fubo supports a wide range of devices including Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Android TV, making it accessible wherever you prefer to watch.
With no long-term contracts or obligations, Fubo offers the freedom to subscribe month-to-month, allowing you to decide how long you stay without any pressure.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | $79.99/month | 202 |
| Elite | $89.99/month | 269 |
Watch the Kentucky Derby on Sling TV
Sling TV provides a convenient and affordable way to watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby on NBC, although availability is limited to certain U.S. TV markets.
If you live in or near cities like Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Miami, Hartford, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., or San Diego, you’re in luck.
Sling TV Blue, one of the service’s plans, includes local NBC stations in these select areas, ensuring you can catch every moment of the Derby.
Priced at $40 per month, Sling TV Blue offers a streamlined selection of about 41 channels, which includes sports channels like NFL Network and a variety of entertainment options such as A&E and MTV. This plan is particularly attractive for sports fans and those who enjoy a mix of programming.
One of the standout features of Sling TV is the 50 hours of free Cloud DVR, allowing you to record the Derby and other favorite programs, so you never miss a race or a show.
Additionally, the ability to stream on up to three devices simultaneously makes Sling TV a great choice for families or roommates who might want to watch different shows at the same time.
For those seeking a broader range of channels, Sling TV offers the option to combine the Blue plan with the Orange plan for $55 per month, adding more sports coverage including ESPN, and more entertainment through channels like USA Network.
Sling TV supports a variety of streaming devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Android TV, and Apple TV, making it flexible to set up and start watching right away. Plus, with no long-term contracts, you have the freedom to subscribe month-to-month and cancel at any time, providing maximum flexibility to adapt to your viewing needs.
This service’s straightforward approach, with its focus on flexibility and affordability, makes it an excellent option for those in its broadcast areas looking to enjoy the Kentucky Derby without a traditional cable subscription.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | $40/month | 32 |
| Blue | $40/month | 41 (Locals included) |
| Orange + Blue | $55/month | 88 |
Catch Kentucky Derby on YouTube TV
YouTube TV provides an extensive viewing package for fans of the 2024 Kentucky Derby, ensuring you won’t miss any part of the action. With access to NBC and NBC regional sports networks, YouTube TV covers all angles of the Derby, from the main races to in-depth pre and post-race analysis.
At $72.99 per month, YouTube TV offers a comprehensive deal with over 128 TV channels including sports, news, and entertainment. Favorites like ESPN, Oxygen Network, USA Network, Comedy Central, CNN, and Telemundo are part of the lineup, catering to a diverse range of interests beyond horse racing.
What sets YouTube TV apart is its unlimited Cloud DVR capability. This feature allows you to record endless hours of content, so you can relive every moment of the Derby or catch up on other shows at your convenience. The ability to watch on three screens simultaneously enhances the viewing experience, making it possible for different family members to watch their preferred shows at the same time.
YouTube TV is designed for flexibility and ease of use across a variety of devices. Whether you prefer streaming on Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, or Chromecast, or even if you like watching live on a PC, YouTube TV has you covered. New subscribers can take advantage of a free 7-day trial to explore the service before committing.
This service’s robust offerings and the flexibility to watch anywhere make it a prime choice for those looking to enjoy the Kentucky Derby and a wide range of other programming without a traditional cable subscription.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $72.99/month | 128 |
Watch the Kentucky Derby for Free with a TV Antenna
While streaming services like DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV offer free trials that allow you to stream the Kentucky Derby, not everyone prefers using a streaming service.
An economical and straightforward option to watch the Derby is through a TV antenna, which can capture the live broadcast on your local NBC station at no cost after the initial setup.
Using a TV antenna is particularly effective if you reside within 30 to 40 miles of local broadcast towers.
Most quality TV antennas can reliably receive broadcast signals, ensuring that you have access to NBC and other local channels in high definition formats such as 1080i or 720p.
To check the availability of local channels in your area, including NBC, you can use the free tool by AntennasDirect. This tool helps you determine signal strength and channel availability based on your location, making it easier to decide if an antenna is a viable option for you.
Opting for a TV antenna not only provides a cost-effective way to watch the Kentucky Derby but also offers ongoing access to over-the-air television without monthly fees, making it the most affordable long-term option for free, live, high-definition television.
This approach is ideal for those who prefer a one-time setup cost and minimal ongoing expenses while still enjoying live events like the Kentucky Derby in crisp, clear quality.
Watching the Kentucky Derby 2024 FAQs
When is the Kentucky Derby on TV?
Here are all the horse racing events covered by NBC Sports, including the dates, times, specific events, and the platforms where they can be viewed:
| Date | Time (ET) | Event | Platform(s) |
| Fri., May 3 | 1:00 p.m. | Kentucky Oaks | USA Network, Peacock |
| Sat., May 4 | 12:00 p.m. | Kentucky Derby Prep races | USA Network, Peacock |
| Sat., May 4 | 2:30 p.m. | 150th Kentucky Derby | NBC, Peacock |
| Fri., May 17 | 4:30 p.m. | Black-Eyed Susan | Peacock |
| Sat., May 18 | 1:30 p.m. | Preakness Stakes Prep races | CNBC, Peacock |
| Sat., May 18 | 4:30 p.m. | 149th Preakness Stakes | NBC, Peacock |
How to Watch the Kentucky Derby on Roku
To watch the Kentucky Derby on Roku, you can subscribe to one of several streaming services that include NBC in their channel offerings.
DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV all provide access to NBC, allowing you to stream the Derby live. Keep in mind that plans and pricing may vary among these services, so you’ll want to choose one that fits your budget and viewing preferences.
How to Stream the Kentucky Derby Live on Amazon Fire TV
For those with Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, you have multiple options for streaming the Kentucky Derby without a cable subscription. Services like DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV all support Fire TV devices and offer NBC, ensuring you can catch the live action of the Derby.
What’s the Best Way to Watch the Kentucky Derby Without Cable?
Peacock is the most affordable solution, especially for those looking to minimize costs. The Peacock Premium plan allows you to stream the Kentucky Derby live for just $5.99 for the first month. With Peacock, subscriptions are flexible, running month-to-month with the option to cancel at any time.
You can also check out free trials from DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo and Hulu Live TV.
For more news on streaming, how-to guides and reviews, head over to the main page of The Cord Cutting Report or follow the CCR on Google News.
Methodology
I spend hundreds of hours throughout the year conducting hands-on testing of streaming services, including Peacock, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV. I do the same rigorous testing for TV antennas and TV-related hardware. Check out the review policy to see how I compare products and services. The Cord Cutting Report is a reader-supported publication, and may earn affiliate commissions when you pick a streaming service through a recommendation. Read our affiliate policy for more information.
