Masters Adds Two Hours of Weekend Coverage on Paramount

The Masters and CBS are expanding their television coverage next year by five hours, including two hours on Saturday and Sunday via CBS’ Paramount+ streaming service.

Augusta National also announced another high-profile corporate partner in Bank of America on Tuesday, bringing to four the number of “champion partners” for the major tournament that attracts golf’s largest audience.

The addition of Bank of America does not affect the ad load. The Masters said the broadcast will continue with just four minutes of commercials per hour.

“The Masters has been very fortunate to have enjoyed a tremendous relationship with CBS Sports for nearly 70 years,” said Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National and the Masters. “Alongside our friends at the network, we are pleased to expand the tournament’s coverage throughout the weekend, bringing more live golf to Masters fans.”

CBS will add an hour to Saturday’s broadcast. It will run from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET next year, instead of starting at 3 p.m. The third and fourth rounds will air exclusively on Paramount+ from noon to 2 p.m., and will remain available on the streaming service until the end at 7 p.m.

This brings the total coverage to 23 hours, which includes 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday broadcast by ESPN.

CBS also produces expanded digital coverage via The Masters app that includes features such as Amen Corner, Holes 4-6, Holes 15-16 and Featured Pairings.

CBS has made its live sports coverage available on Paramount+. The two additional hours over the weekend will be part of its exclusive content, a first for the network.

The Masters’ partnership with CBS, a year-round deal, dates back to 1956, when the network used six cameras to broadcast the final four holes. Just 25 years ago, the Masters offered only 10 1/2 hours of live coverage on CBS, including three hours on Sunday.

Bank of America joins a small list of Masters title sponsors including AT&T, IBM and Mercedes-Benz, all of which have extended their partnerships. The club is not disclosing details of the deals.

Bank of America has had a long-standing relationship with Augusta National, serving as the presenting sponsor of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur since its inception in 2019, as well as the Asia-Pacific Amateur and America Latin Amateur since 2022.

“Through Bank of America’s support of our community initiatives and amateur events, they have become an influential and committed partner in our organization’s mission in Augusta and around the world,” Ridley said.

He said the addition of Bank of America as a premier sponsor expands that relationship and strengthens the Masters “for many years to come.”

The 2019 Masters will be held April 10-13, as is traditional, the first full week of April. Scottie Scheffler is the defending champion.

___

AP Golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf