The Kentucky Derby Put Up Insane Viewership Numbers

Were you watching the Kentucky Derby on Saturday? Evidently, a record number of people were too.

According to Sports Media Watch, viewership numbers for "The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports" were at an all-time high. Here are some numbers for the race, which was broadcasted on NBC:

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 03: Jockey Junior Alvarado poses atop of Sovereignty #18 in winners circle after winning the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 03, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

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Sports Media pointed out that within the past year, only two sporting events have exceeded that viewership total: Game 5 of the World Series and the March Madness Final. However, it also noted that because the Derby is so short, it's easier to maintain an audience’s interest.

Still, 21-plus million is pretty impressive.

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Sovereignty was able to steal the crown from the favorite, Journalism, by overtaking him in the final stretch. It was jockey Junior Alvarado’s first title at Churchill Downs.