PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem, NBC Sports Group chairman Mark Lazarus and CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus announced on Thursday what the PGA Tour terms an ?unprecedented? extension of its television rights agreements with NBC Sports, Golf Channel and CBS Sports.
The new deal runs nine years, through 2021, that will coincide with the end of the 15-year agreement that the tour struck with Golf Channel in 2007. The extension is added to the existing agreement with NBC Sports and CBS Sports that was set to expire at the end of 2012.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
?We are excited to continue our longstanding partnership with the PGA Tour, as it is an important pillar for NBC Sports and Golf Channel,? said Mark Lazarus, Chairman of NBC Sports Group.
The tournaments covered by the three networks will remain essentially the same, with Golf Channel on NBC airing approximately ten PGA Tour events per year and CBS handling about 20 events. Golf Channel will continue to air weekday coverage of PGA Tour events, as well as full event coverage of the first three PGA Tour events of the year, alternate field events and the full Fall Series.
As a result of the new deal, most PGA Tour events broadcast on Golf Channel on NBC will contain parallel, complementary coverage on Golf Channel. At the same time NBC is providing traditional coverage, Golf Channel will air content such as marquee groups, specific holes or interviews with players. Simultaneously, extra content will often appear on the Web.
Some of these features will be introduced in 2012, with all implemented in 2013. Combined, they will effectively double the hours of golf coverage available in the new agreement through television networks, as well as digital properties for NBC, Golf Channel, CBS and the PGA Tour.
The agreement also offers opportunities to expand coverage that will maximize the growth in smartphones and tablets that is expected to continue wide expansion in years to come. In a press conference to announce the deal, Finchem said he anticipates fans will be using these devices not only to experience events away from tournament site, but also enhance it while attending events.
Lazarus added, ?As we embark on another decade of coverage, we are proud to share an innovative vision with the PGA Tour to utilize our diverse and unique array of assets to engage golf fans and grow the game in new ways.?
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