NBC Sports Scores 12-Year Deal to Air British Open

LONDON: NBC Sports Group, including NBC and Golf Channel, has become the U.S. home for golf's Open Championship, starting in 2017 through 2028.

The agreement with the R&A includes coverage across all media of The Open, The Senior Open, Walker Cup and The Amateur Championship. The coverage will be featured on NBC and Golf Channel in English and NBC Universo in Spanish.

The pact means the end of the R&A’s long-standing relationship with ESPN and sister network ABC. Prior to the most recent deal to bring the entire Open to cable, ABC had aired some portion of the Open since 1962.

Peter Dawson, R&A's chief executive, said, “We are delighted to announce that from 2017, The Open will be broadcast by NBC Sports Group. They have unparalleled experience in golf and have demonstrated a genuine desire to showcase and promote The Open and The R&A’s elite championships through their extensive range of channels and digital platforms. 

“The United States is home to millions of fans of The Open and we know that through NBC Sports Group, they will enjoy world class coverage of the Championship.”

Mark Lazarus, the chairman of NBC Sports Group, added, “The R&A is synonymous with the traditions and history of golf, and The Open is golf’s original championship. NBC Sports is proud to present The Open Championship, and to work with The R&A on their initiatives to grow the game around the globe.

“This partnership will allow NBC Sports, Golf Channel and NBC Universo to serve the legions of sports fans in the U.S. with complete coverage that reflects the prestige of The R&A’s championships.”