The Maryland Jockey Club has moved the Preakness Stakes to the fourth Sunday in May starting in 2027, placing it 22 days after the Kentucky Derby and reshaping the Triple Crown calendar.

This shift is part of broader discussions about the Triple Crown schedule and how it affects participation across the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont.

NBC will continue its coverage of the Preakness and the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes on NBC and Peacock under a renewed six-year rights agreement, underscoring expanded exposure.

Maryland’s ownership and governance of the race emphasize local economic and cultural benefits, including investments in the Park Heights neighborhood.

Maryland officials stress that the state will maintain autonomy and local control over the Preakness and its intellectual property rights, reinforcing its status as a state cornerstone.

MJC president Bill Knauf calls the move historic, forecasting growth and increased participation for the Preakness and the broader Triple Crown.

Knauf also says the change reflects a shift in professional sports scheduling and potential use of modern training methods to grow the event.

Maryland previously purchased the Preakness intellectual property, signaling state control and distancing Churchill Downs from financial stake, while extending NBC Sports’ six-year broadcast deal and committing to neighborhood investments near Pimlico.

The decision reflects stakeholders’ effort to adapt to a rapidly changing horse-racing landscape and the evolving concept of the Triple Crown.

Industry voices, including Knauf and Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, note participation will depend on having a competitive Derby horse.

The plan aligns with broader Maryland economic and cultural investment, using the Preakness as a regional economic anchor.

NBC executives describe the scheduling change as creating a weekend celebration and expanding exposure beyond a single day.