FOX Sports Lands U.S. Open in 12-Year Deal

FAR HILLS/NEW YORK: The United States Golf Association (USGA) and FOX Sports have signed an agreement to make the FOX network and FOX Sports 1 the primary U.S. partner of the USGA, including for the U.S. Open, starting in 2015.

The 12-year multimedia agreement runs through 2016. It includes the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open Championships. The deal brings premier major championship golf to the FOX broadcast network for the first time. The network is already home to such sporting events as the Super Bowl, World Series, Daytona 500 and World Cup.

"This is an exciting and remarkable day for the USGA, as our partnership with FOX Sports is a game-changer for our organization and for the game of golf," said Glen D. Nager, USGA’s president. "The game is evolving and requires bold and unique approaches on many levels, and FOX shares our vision to seek fresh thinking and innovative ideas to deliver championship golf. This partnership will help us to better lead and serve the game in new and exciting ways."

"It’s with tremendous excitement and pride that we’ve added events with the prestige and magnitude of the USGA’s U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open to the big events FOX Sports is set to cover for years to come," added FOX Sports co-president and COO, Randy Freer.

"We’re looking forward to FOX Sports becoming home to the preeminent golf championship in the world," added fellow FOX Sports co-president and COO Eric Shanks. "We’re committed to elevating coverage of USGA events on every level, infusing them with a new energy and innovation that will make every championship the best golf event on television." This new partnership with FOX Sports also includes strategic elements to help the USGA strengthen its support of the game."

"We are thrilled with the commitment that FOX Sports has made to the USGA, our national championships, the strategic growth of our organization and to the game," said USGA’s executive director, Mike Davis. "This partnership represents a promising new future for both organizations that will be marked by broadcast innovation, new approaches and fresh thinking. We could not be more energized by what we will be able to accomplish together to make golf better, both now and for future generations of players and fans who love the game."