Key facts
- Free-to-air: Channel 9; free stream: 9Now (Australia only).
- Nine holds the Melbourne Cup Carnival rights from 2024 to 2029; Seven and Ten no longer show the Cup.
- Also on Racing.com (channels 78 and 68), Foxtel 529, Kayo and Sky Racing.
- Overseas: the VRC runs a free international stream outside Australia and the USA.
How can you watch the Melbourne Cup live in 2026?
You can watch the Melbourne Cup live in 2026 on Channel 9, free-to-air, or stream it free on 9Now. Nine is in the third year of a deal with the Victoria Racing Club and Tabcorp that runs until 2029, covering all four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The race starts at 3:00pm AEDT; our Melbourne Cup start time page gives the time in your state.
| Option | Cost | Where it works | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel 9 | Free | Australia | Free-to-air broadcast of all four Carnival days |
| 9Now | Free with a Nine account | Australia only | Live stream of Channel 9's coverage |
| Racing.com | Free-to-air | Australia | Channels 78 (metro) and 68 (regional) |
| Foxtel channel 529 | Subscription | Australia | Racing.com on Foxtel |
| Kayo Sports | Subscription | Australia | Carries Racing.com |
| Sky Racing | Subscription or venue | Australia | Shown in TAB venues, pubs and clubs |
| VRC international stream | Free | Outside Australia and the USA | Official stream from the VRC |
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What channel is the Melbourne Cup on?
The Melbourne Cup is on Channel 9. This answers a common question, because the broadcaster has changed twice in recent years:
- 2002 to 2018: Seven Network.
- 2019 to 2023: Network 10.
- 2024 to 2029: Nine Network, under the current deal.
If you are searching for the Cup on Channel 7 or Channel 10, it is no longer there.
How do you stream the Melbourne Cup?
You stream the Melbourne Cup on 9Now in four steps:
- Download the 9Now app, or go to the 9Now website.
- Sign in, or create a free Nine account.
- Choose the live Channel 9 stream.
- Make sure you are in Australia: 9Now does not stream the Cup overseas.
How do you watch the Melbourne Cup overseas?
To watch the Melbourne Cup overseas, use the VRC's free international stream, available outside Australia and the USA, or check for a local broadcaster in your country. The race starts at 4:00am GMT in the UK and 5:00pm NZDT in New Zealand. Viewers in the USA should check the VRC broadcast guide for the local rights holder.
How do you listen to the Melbourne Cup on the radio?
You can listen to the Melbourne Cup on racing radio and many talk stations. Racing stations call every race of the Carnival, and most news and talk stations cross live to the race call at 3:00pm AEDT. Racing apps also carry live audio.
Where can you watch the Melbourne Cup with others?
Watching with others is a big part of the day:
- At Flemington: big screens around the course; general admission tickets are sold through Ticketmaster.
- Pubs and clubs: most show the race on Sky Racing or Channel 9, and many run a Cup sweep.
- At work: office sweeps and long lunches; our Melbourne Cup sweep page has a printable sheet.
- At home: Channel 9 or 9Now.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is the Melbourne Cup on in 2026?
The Melbourne Cup is on Channel 9 in 2026. Nine is the free-to-air broadcaster of all four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival under a deal that runs to 2029.
Can I stream the Melbourne Cup for free?
Yes. 9Now streams Channel 9's coverage live for free with a Nine account, but only inside Australia.
Is the Melbourne Cup on Channel 7?
No. Channel 7 broadcast the Cup from 2002 to 2018 and Network 10 from 2019 to 2023, but Nine has held the rights since 2024.
Can I watch the Melbourne Cup on Kayo or Foxtel?
Racing.com is available on Foxtel channel 529 and on Kayo Sports, and Sky Racing also carries the Carnival. You do not need a subscription, because the race is free on Channel 9 and 9Now.
How can I listen to the Melbourne Cup on the radio?
Racing radio stations call the Melbourne Cup live, and many news and talk stations cross to the race call at 3:00pm AEDT. Racing apps also carry live audio.
How can I watch the Melbourne Cup from overseas?
9Now is geo-blocked outside Australia. The VRC offers a free international live stream for viewers outside Australia and the USA, and many countries have their own broadcast partner.
Where can I watch the Melbourne Cup replay?
Replays of the Melbourne Cup appear on the VRC's YouTube channel and on racing websites shortly after the race. 9Now also carries highlights.
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Who wrote and checked this page
Alexander Korsager
Alexander Korsager is our editor-in-chief. He has spent more than ten years in online gambling and iGaming, including senior leadership roles. He writes every Melbourne Cup guide on this site from official VRC and Racing Victoria sources.
Mark D'Andrea
Mark D'Andrea is a Senior Regulatory Consultant at Gaming Associates, an independent testing and certification laboratory for the gambling industry. He fact-checks our race guides, betting rules and safer gambling information.