NBC Regains Broacasting Rights To The U.S. Open As Fox Backs Out Of Contract
NBC will regain the rights to the various United States Golf Association events, including one of the years four majors, the U.S. Open. According to multiple reports, Fox Sports, a division of the Fox Network, requested to end their 12-year contract, and the transfer was made official Monday morning, June 29th.
The USGA signed a 12-year deal with Fox Sports in August of 2013, giving them the broadcast rights to the U.S. Open, the U.S. Senior Open Championships, and the U.S. Women’s Open. The agreement began in 2015 and was scheduled to run until 2026. The deal was worth $1.1 billion or an average of $93 million a year. However, it was reported that Fox lost “tens of millions” in the first two years and then replaced lead analyst Greg Norman with Paul Azinger.
The deal gave Fox its first-ever rights to broadcast major championship golf. However, according to the Associated Press, the rights will revert to NBC beginning at this year’s U.S. Open scheduled for September 17–20 at Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, N.Y. The event, which was scheduled for June 18–22nd, was postponed due to the coronavirus.
NBC will take over the final seven years of the agreement and will reportedly pay half the rights fee though the remaining seven years.
The exact reason for Fox’s decision to give up their broadcasting rights is unknown. However, it has been surmised that the new U.S. Open date clashed with Fox’s previous broadcast commitments — 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,” stated Doug Ferguson of the Associated Press.
Additionally, Fox has been suspected of trying to move major golf tournament coverage to their pay television network, FS1, an idea that was vehemently opposed by USGA Chief Executive Mike Davis.
With NBC taking back full coverage of The U.S. Open, The network, along with The Golf Channel will hold the rights to The Open Championship, The Players Championship, The Ryder Cup, The Presidents Cup, all of the majors on the LPGA and PGA Tour Champions and all three World Golf Championships.
