Masters 2026 Broadcast Schedule Released As Tournament Nears
Masters 2026 Broadcast Schedule Released As Tournament Nears...
The 2026 Masters Tournament broadcast schedule was finalized Thursday, giving golf fans clarity on how to watch every round from Augusta National next week. The announcement comes as anticipation builds for the first major championship of the year, which begins April 13 in Augusta, Georgia.
ESPN will handle early-round coverage on Thursday and Friday, while CBS takes over for the weekend rounds. All four days will feature extended streaming options through Masters.com and the ESPN+ platform. The schedule release sparked immediate discussion among golf fans, with many noting the expanded digital viewing opportunities.
This year's tournament holds special significance as Tiger Woods makes his return to Augusta after missing last year's event due to injury. Broadcasters are preparing for potentially record viewership if Woods remains in contention through the weekend. The Masters consistently ranks as one of the most-watched golf events annually.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley confirmed Wednesday that the club maintains its traditional broadcast partnerships while embracing new distribution methods. "We want the Masters to be accessible to every fan," Ridley said during his annual press conference. The tournament's limited commercial interruptions remain a hallmark of its broadcast presentation.
Viewers can expect approximately 18 hours of live television coverage across the four competition days, plus featured group streaming and amen corner coverage. The final round Sunday will air from 2-7 p.m. ET on CBS, following similar windows to recent years. Sports media analysts note the consistency helps maintain the event's prestige.
Golf fans took to social media Thursday to share their viewing plans, with many organizing watch parties for the weekend rounds. The Masters typically drives higher-than-average engagement across platforms, with last year's tournament generating over 5 million social media mentions. This year's event could surpass those numbers given the star power in the field.
Tournament officials also confirmed that Jim Nantz will return for his 31st year calling the action for CBS. His signature "Hello friends" opening remains one of the most recognizable phrases in sports broadcasting. ESPN's team will feature Scott Van Pelt and Curtis Strange in the booth for the early rounds.
With just days remaining before the first tee shots, the broadcast schedule release marks the final piece of preparation for most viewers. The Masters remains the only major championship played at the same course annually, creating a sense of familiarity that boosts its television appeal. All eyes now turn to Augusta as the golf world prepares for another memorable tournament.
