How to Watch the Kentucky Derby 2023 Online: Channel, Race Time, Streaming and More

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How to Watch the Kentucky Derby 2023
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The 2023 Kentucky Derby will air on Saturday, May 6 from 12 to 7:30 p.m. ET. Here's how to watch the 149th running.

Stock up on your mint julep fixings and overnight a fancy, over-the-top hat, because The Kentucky Derby is happening this weekend on Saturday, May 6. Twenty horses are headed off to compete in the world's biggest Thoroughbred horse race taking place at legendary Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Getting ready to watch this year's Run for the Roses? The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby will air on NBC this year. Whether you’re betting on your favorite horse, throwing a Derby party tomorrow, or just love the tradition of it all, read on for our guide on how to stream the 2023 Kentucky Derby online — including a way to watch the Kentucky Derby for free.

When is the 2023 Kentucky Derby?

The 149th Kentucky Derby is on Saturday, May 6. The expected post time is scheduled for 6:57 p.m. ET / 3:57 p.m. PT, but NBC coverage of the day starts at 12 p.m. ET and will run until 7:30 p.m. ET.

How to Watch the 2023 Kentucky Derby Online

The big race will air on NBC, but for those that don't have cable, you can watch the Kentucky Derby on Peacock or any other live TV streaming services that carry NBC, including FuboTV, Hulu+ Live and Sling TV. To access all of the content Peacock has to offer, you can sign up for a Peacock Premium subscription for just $4.99 a month.

The Kentucky Derby on Peacock

Peacock

Watch the Kentucky Derby live with Peacock and on-the-go from your phone by downloading the app to your smartphone. Plans start at $5.99 per month, but if you sign up for the year, you'll get two months for free.

Starting at $6/month

Watch on Peacock

The Kentucky Derby on Sling TV

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Sling TV's Blue Plan gives you access to NBC along with FOX, ABC, Bravo and more. Currently, eligible customers can save $30 on the first three months when they sign up.

$45 $35

For the first three months

Watch on Sling TV

The Kentucky Derby on FuboTV

Photo by Stan Grossfeld/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

FuboTV is a sports-centric streaming service that offers access to all kinds of sporting events, including the Kentucky Derby. Packages include NBC, Fox, CBS, ESPN and more starting at $80 per month. In addition to these, FuboTV also offers MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS and international soccer games.

Starting at $80/Month

Free 7-Day Trial

Watch on FuboTV

The Kentucky Derby on Hulu + Live TV

Hulu

Watch the NBC and USA coverage of the Kentucky Derby as it airs on television by subscribing to Hulu + Live TV. Plans start at $77 monthly and along with live television from over 95 channels you'll also get access to Disney+ and ESPN+.

Plans starting at $77/month

Free 3-Day Trial

Watch on Hulu + Live TV

The Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes 2023 TV Schedule

For those who love horse racing, there are a few notable horse races airing on Peacock in the upcoming month that you won't want to miss, including the Kentucky Derby.

Friday, May 5
Kentucky Oaks @ 1 p.m. EST on USA and Peacock

Saturday, May 6
Kentucky Derby @ 12 p.m. EST on NBC and Peacock

Friday, May 19
Black Eyed Susan @ 4:30 p.m. EST on Peacock

Saturday, May 20
Preakness Stakes @ 1 p.m. EST on NBC, Peacock and CNBC

How to Watch the Kentucky Derby 2023 for Free 

The Kentucky Derby only takes one day, in fact, it only takes around two minutes in total, which is why it's nicknamed "the most exciting two minutes in sports." That being said, if you've never used FuboTV, you could sign up for the 7-day free trial the morning of the races and cancel it by the end of the evening to watch the Kentucky Derby for free. 

Stream on FuboTV

If you've already signed up for FuboTV, you can likely find a business in your area, depending on the size of your city, hosting a Kentucky Derby party or at least airing it on the TV. However you watch it, we bet you won't be disappointed.

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