The Open extends TV deal with Sky Sports

Sky Sports and the R&A have agreed terms on a new deal that will see the broadcaster continue to show live coverage of The Open, AIG Women’s Open and elite amateur events until at least 2028.

The arrangement extends a partnership that began in 2016, with proceeds set to contribute to the R&A’s commitment to invest £200m in golf over ten years and support development of the sport internationally.

The news will come as a blow to golf fans who don’t have a Sky Sports subscription but outgoing R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers believes the deal is the best option for all parties.

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“Our partnership with Sky Sports has enabled us to deliver outstanding live coverage of our championships to fans, as well as providing important revenues which support our broader activities to develop golf around the world and sustain the sport for current and future generations,” he said.

“The live broadcast continues to push boundaries and use technology to give viewers a deeper understanding and appreciation of the skill required by the world’s best players and presents the drama and excitement of our championships in a dynamic and entertaining way.

“We look forward to continuing our work with Sky Sports over the next five years.”

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Jonathan Licht, managing director of Sky Sports, said: “We are delighted to be able to extend our relationship with the R&A, as Sky Sports continues to be the home for the biggest golf tournaments in the world, including all the majors this year.

“The Open and the AIG Women’s Open are two iconic championships and centre-pieces of any sporting summer for fans. We look forward to continuing to offer our award-winning coverage across our Sky Sports platforms.”

In addition to The Open and AIG Women’s Open, Sky Sports will also broadcast other R&A events, including the Amateur Championship, Women’s Amateur Championship, Walker Cup and Curtis Cup.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor