The R&A and Sky Sports have extended their partnership for the award-winning live coverage of the Open Championship, AIG Women’s Open and elite amateur events through 2028.
The announcement continues a partnership which started in 2016 when the R&A’s professional and amateur championships first featured as part of Sky Sports’ comprehensive coverage of live golf, which includes the men’s and women’s major championships and tour events from around the world.
Proceeds from the agreement will contribute toward the R&A’s commitment to invest £200 million (about €234 million or $254 million) in golf over 10 years and support development of the sport internationally through its participation initiatives, governance activities, advocacy for sustainability and organising inspirational golf championships.
“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,” R&A CEO Martin Slumbers 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.”
The agreement will see Sky Sports continue to provide coverage of the Open, AIG Women’s Open and the R&A’s amateur championships and international matches, including the Amateur, Women’s Amateur, Walker Cup and Curtis Cup.
Added Jonathan Licht, Sky Sports’ managing director: “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 centrepieces of any sporting summer for fans. We look forward to continuing to offer our award-winning coverage across our Sky Sports platforms.”
In 2016, Sky Sports won a BAFTA for its coverage of the 145th Open at Royal Troon across a dedicated channel, bringing fans every shot and great moment from the world-renowned championship.
Sky Sports customers can enjoy live coverage in HD, and follow their favourite players and emerging stories via Sky Sports’ social and digital channels. On NOW, viewers can watch live sport without a contract, making the Open and AIG Women’s Open easily accessible to anyone with a connected device. With a Sky Sports Month or Day Pass, NOW members can watch anytime, anywhere on the web or on more than 60 devices with the mobile or tablet app.
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