Liberty Corner, New Jersey, United States: The United States Golf Association (USGA) has announced that the United States media rights for its championships have been transferred to NBCUniversal (NBCU), effective immediately.   

With the Covid-19 pandemic leading to the shift in dates for the US Open from June to September, finding the necessary broadcast hours presented a challenge for FOX Sports, given their commitments to the National Football League, Major League Baseball and college football.

What started as an exploration of how FOX Sports and NBC/Golf Channel could work together this unique year led to a broader conversation and eventual agreement for NBCU to take over the USGA media rights.  

As a result, NBCUniversal will broadcast the four championships the USGA will conduct in 2020: the 120th US Women’s Amateur (August 3-9 at Woodmont Country Club); the 120th US Amateur (August 10-16 at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort), the 120th US Open (September 17-20 at Winged Foot Golf Club) and the 75th US Women’s Open (December 10-13 at Champions Golf Club).

“We are thrilled to acquire the remainder of FOX Sports’ USGA agreement, and will carry the designated USGA events, including the US Open, through 2026,” said Pete Bevacqua, President of NBC Sports Group. “Adding these prestigious USGA events to our already incredibly deep golf business, led by our long-term PGA Tour partnership, as well as The Open Championship and the Ryder Cup, positions us as absolute leaders in the golf space.

“This deal is advantageous for all parties, including NBC Sports, Golf Channel, Peacock and the USGA, but also FOX Sports, and we thank them for working with us to complete this transaction. It further solidifies our platforms as the destination for golf viewers and enthusiasts, with NBC, Golf Channel, GOLFNow and GOLFPASS.”  

Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA, said: “Partnering with NBCUniversal, including Golf Channel, gives us an unparalleled opportunity to connect and engage with the core golf audience more directly and routinely and, as a non-profit, to continue to have a significant and lasting impact on the game.”

While the details are confidential, the term of the agreement between NBCUniversal and the USGA will be the same as the previous agreement with FOX Sports, carrying through December 31, 2026, and the financial remuneration for the USGA will remain the same for the duration of the agreement. This allows the USGA to continue to fulfil its mission to champion and advance the game of golf, which includes conducting 14 annual Open and Amateur championships, serving golfers and golf courses and providing pathways into the game.