Why does NBC air the 1st 2 Triple Crown Races (Kentucky Derby/Preakness Stakes) and ABC does 3rd 1 (Belmont)?

Question

Why does NBC air the 1st 2 Triple Crown Races (Kentucky Derby/Preakness Stakes) and ABC does 3rd 1 (Belmont)?

Answer 1

contracts......abc will have a big ratings this year....it's about time....

Answer 2

its called a deal was made in negotiation time!

Answer 3

This is because ABC has a contract which gives them the broadcast rights to the Belmont Stakes, whereas NBC has rights to the first two races. At one time, it was CBS which did the Belmont broadcast, but that has changed in recent years. Now CBS does other races, such as the Travers in August, and the Arlington Million in July.

Answer 4

It all boils down to money and ABC obviously was willing to pay more for the third race. In the event of a possible triple crown winner (like this year), the carrier of the Belmont will rake in HUGE ratings! Which means more money for them!

Answer 5

The Triple Crown is not packaged together.  Each track can sell their race to whoever they want.