The Masters adds two hours of weekend practice to Paramount

The Masters and CBS are expanding the telecast next year by five hours, including two hours on Saturdays and Sundays on CBS’ Paramount+ streaming service.
Augusta National also announced Tuesday another high-profile partner in Bank of America, bringing to four the number of “champion partners” for the major golfing giant.
The addition of Bank of America does not affect the commercial load. Masters said the broadcast will continue with just four minutes of commercials every hour.
“The Masters Tournament has been very fortunate to enjoy an extraordinary 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’re excited to extend coverage over the tournament weekend and finally bring live golf to Masters fans.”
CBS will add an hour to Saturday’s broadcast. It will move from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET next year, instead of starting at 3 p.m. The third and fourth rounds will be shown exclusively on Paramount+ from noon until 2 p.m., and will remain available on the streaming service until the 7 p.m. finale. .
That brings complete coverage to 23 hours, including 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm Thursday and Friday, broadcast by ESPN.
CBS also produces expanded digital coverage through the Masters app that includes features such as Amen Corner, Holes 4-6, Holes 15-16 and featured pairings.
CBS has made its live coverage of sporting events available on Paramount+. Two additional hours on the weekend will be part of its exclusive content, the first time it offers such content from golf.
The partnership between Masters and CBS, a year-to-year contract, dates back to 1956, when the network used six cameras to broadcast the final four holes. It was only 25 years ago that the Masters offered 10½ hours of live coverage on CBS, including three hours on Sunday.
Bank of America joins a small list of major corporate sponsors at the Masters that includes AT&T, IBM and Mercedes-Benz, each of which has expanded its partnership. The group does not disclose the details of those contracts.
Bank of America has had a relationship with Augusta National for the past several years, serving as the presenting sponsor of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur since its inception in 2019, and the Asia-Pacific Amateur and Latin America Amateur since 2022.
“With Bank of America’s support of our community programs and alumni events, they have become influential and dedicated partners in our organization’s work in Augusta and around the world,” said Ridley.
He said adding Bank of America as a major sponsor expands that relationship and strengthens the Masters “for years to come.”
The 2025 Masters begins on April 10, keeping with its tradition of being held in the first full week of April. Scottie Scheffler is the defending champion.
Source link