PGA Championship television rights go to CBS, ESPN in 11-year deal with PGA of America
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PGA Championship television rights go to CBS, ESPN in 11-year deal with PGA of America

A photo of golfer Brooks Koepka
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The PGA Championship will air on ESPN and CBS for 11 years beginning in 2020, the result of a new, landmark television and digital rights deal between the organizations.

The PGA of America announced the deal on Oct. 10, with the deal running through 2030. The deal will result in an increase to 175 cumulative hours of TV coverage for what will be the year's second major championship.

“For nearly a half-century, CBS Sports has been a vital member of the PGA of America extended family while delivering our major championship to golf fans across the country,” said PGA Chief Executive Officer Seth Waugh. “We are also thrilled to partner with ESPN and connect with sports fans through the reach of the ESPN networks. The PGA is a major that not only typically delivers the strongest field in golf, but is synonymous with historic moments that resonate with golf fans everywhere. As we move this iconic championship to May, we are extremely excited that CBS and ESPN will present the highest-quality product with the state-of-the-art technology through a broadcast team that shares our mission to grow the sport of golf.”

ESPN will take over for Turner Sports, which will end its 25-year run as a PGA Championship broadcaster after the 2019 PGA Championship, played in May at Bethpage State Park's Black Course on Long Island, N.Y. after decades in August. ESPN will air full first- and second-round coverage of the PGA Championship on ESPN and their digital streaming service ESPN+, as well early third- and final-round coverage before turning over to CBS for their traditional Saturday and Sunday afternoon coverage window, which will increase by an hour each day.

The PGA of America will continue to run digital production through PGA.com and their owned-and-operated channels. ESPN+ will air traditional digital channels for featured holes and featured groups, as well practice-range coverage, airing press room interviews and conducting other interviews in the practice areas.

CBS will lead production for all coverage of the championship, as they've done in the past.

In addition to the rights for the PGA Championship, this deal includes a commitment by ESPN to air multiple hours per day of the PGA Junior League National Championship each October.

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Ryan Ballengee

Ryan Ballengee is the founder, owner and operator of Golf News Net.

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