US network NBC acquired rights for horse racing’s Breeders’ Cup in a four-year deal, from 2012 to 2015, with Breeders’ Cup Limited, owner of the thoroughbred racing series.
NBC replaces Disney-owned ESPN and ABC as the domestic broadcaster of the cup, which is widely acknowledged to be one of thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious events.
The deal will begin with NBC and the NBC Sports Network (formerly known as Versus) combining to provide over nine hours of live coverage of the 2012 Breeders’ Cup World Championships from Santa Anita Park, California, on November 2-3.
The Breeders’ Cup consists of 15 races held over two days, with over $25 million in purse money at stake, culminating in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.