Dear Partners and Friends,
Today, the Greater Baltimore Committee joined Governor Wes Moore, First Lady Dawn Moore, Maryland Jockey Club President and General Manager Bill Knauf, and NBC Sports to announce a new partnership and new dates for the Preakness.
This announcement represents an important milestone in realizing the full potential of the Preakness. It demonstrates what becomes possible when Maryland owns one of its defining economic and cultural assets and is committed to growing its reach, audience, and impact.
Over the last several days, there has been considerable discussion about the future of the Preakness. GBC continues to believe Maryland made the right decision by securing ownership of this historic event and important local asset. Today’s announcement reinforces that belief and provides an early proof point that this investment is creating new opportunities for our state.
It also introduced several significant enhancements designed to expand the Preakness’s national reach and audience:
- Beginning in 2027, the Preakness will move to the Sunday following the third week after the Kentucky Derby, creating additional separation between Triple Crown races and a new opportunity to build anticipation.
- For the first time in its history, the Preakness will be contested on Sunday afternoon and broadcast nationally on NBC and Peacock, positioning the race for expanded national viewership.
- The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes will now receive its own national televisionwindow on Saturday afternoon, elevating another signature Maryland event and creating a true two-day weekend celebration.
- NBC Sports has also extended its long-standing partnership with the Maryland Jockey Club, ensuring continued national coverage of both races and expanded multiplatform programming across NBC and Peacock.
Read Press Release | Watch Press Event | WBAL TJ Smith Interview on Preakness, Annual Meeting
The Preakness is more than a horse race. It is a globally recognized brand that drives tourism and hospitality, strengthens Maryland’s cultural economy, and showcases our state and its horse industry to audiences around the world. It is also the centerpiece of an equine industry that supports more than 28,000 jobs across Maryland.
Strengthening the cultural and creative industries in the Baltimore Region is a central opportunity area in our 10-year economic plan, alongside our support for manufacturing and technology innovation. Maryland’s long-term prosperity depends on investing in both emerging industries and the iconic assets that distinguish our state. The Preakness represents both our heritage and our future, and we believe it can become one of America’s premier annual sporting and cultural events.
We encourage our partners and stakeholders to remain confident in the long-term vision. Building lasting economic assets requires patience, collaboration, and sustained investment. Today’s announcement is an encouraging step forward, and we remain committed to helping maximize the economic value of the Preakness for businesses, workers, and communities across Maryland.
What’s Next?
On September 9, GBC will host an All Partner Meeting featuring Bill Knauf. Bill will provide an update on today’s announcement, discuss the future of the Preakness, and share opportunities for Maryland’s business community to help strengthen one of our state’s greatest assets.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership and your continued commitment to advancing the Baltimore Region and the State of Maryland.
Sincerely,
Mark Anthony Thomas
President and CEO
Greater Baltimore Committee