ESPN Withdraws From Belmont Stakes Negotiations

Sports Business Journal's John Ourand is reporting today the ESPN has pulled out of negotiations to televise the Belmont Stakes, leaving the door open for NBC to move in and control television rights for each race of the Triple Crown.

According to the article, ESPN released the following statement on why they did not wish to pursue the Belmont Stakes any longer:

"Our contract was up and we elected not to renew. It did not make good business sense to renew so we have moved on and will focus our horse racing coverage on the Breeders' Cup."

While the Belmont Stakes may not be of interest to ESPN, it may be of big interest to NBC. NBC holds the rights to the Kentucky Derby until 2015 and while the Preakness rights are up in the air due to the uncertainty around racing's future in Maryland, NBC would likely be able to acquire those rights as well. All three triple crown races have not been on the same television network since 2005.

I believe this move is win-win for all involved, including the race fans. If NBC acquires the rights for the Belmont, they will have a vested interest in keeping the ratings up for all three Triple Crown races. Perhaps providing extra incentive, potentially in purse money or through some other means, if no horse is in line to win the Triple Crown at the Belmont, NBC will be able to attract the top three-year-olds in the country for all three Triple Crown races. This means great racing in every Triple Crown race, not just the first two.

How do you feel about this development in the Triple Crown on television? Leave your comments below!

Posted in: Triple Crown