Jim Nantz often says, “A tradition unlike any other,” and the CBS Masters broadcast history proves that line every year. CBS and Paramount+ carry the 90th Masters Tournament from Augusta, Georgia. The network continues the longest-running relationship between a sporting event and a single broadcaster. CBS awards the Green Jacket for the 71st straight year, and the network takes that responsibility to heart.
A Rights Agreement That Sets the Masters Apart
Modern sports broadcasting revolves around massive rights fees. The Masters follows a different model. CBS, ESPN, and Prime Video do not pay for broadcast rights. Augusta National keeps full control of the production and the advertising inventory. This approach protects the club’s image and ensures that every broadcast reflects its standards. The Masters stands apart in a sports world driven by billion‑dollar media deals.
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How CBS Transformed Masters Coverage
CBS first covered the Masters in 1956 with six cameras. The network improved the broadcast every year. Producer Frank Chirkinian led the transformation. Chirkinian disliked golf’s traditional scoring presentation, so he introduced the over‑and‑under‑par system in 1960. Fans still rely on that format today.
Chirkinian expanded coverage with more cameras, more microphones, and more creative angles. He selected broadcasters who loved the sport and understood Augusta’s atmosphere. His influence still shapes the CBS Masters broadcast history. CBS now deploys more than 100 cameras and a large technical team to capture every moment.
CBS and Augusta National Build a Year‑Round Partnership
CBS Sports President and CEO David Berson describes the relationship as a year‑round collaboration. His team works closely with Augusta National to plan every detail. He views the partnership as something larger than any individual. CBS honors tradition while introducing new innovations, and that balance defines the broadcast.
The 2026 CBS Masters Broadcast Team
Nantz hosts the Masters for the 38th time and marks his 41st consecutive year covering the event. Trevor Immelman joins him as lead analyst for the fourth year. Frank Nobilo, Colt Knost, Andrew Catalon, Dottie Pepper, and Amanda Balionis complete the team. Nobilo steps into a larger role after Verne Lundquist’s retirement. Knost, Catalon, and Pepper also expand their responsibilities this year.
The Production Team Behind the Masters
Coordinating producer Sellers Shy leads CBS Sports’ Masters coverage. Jim Rikhoff supports the production, and Steve Milton directs the broadcast with Chris Svendsen. Andy Freedman and Bryan Kosowski manage replay operations. Freedman also produces the Masters Highlights shows, which Cory Fishman directs. Harold Bryant oversees production as Executive Producer and Executive Vice President of CBS Sports.
Masters Live and Paramount+ Expand Streaming Options
Masters Live returns with full‑day streaming coverage across Paramount+, CBSSports.com, and the CBS Sports app. Viewers can choose from four live channels that follow key holes and featured groups. CBS delivers 14 hours of live third‑ and final‑round coverage on CBS and Paramount+. The network airs the tournament from 2:00 to 7:00 PM ET on Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12. Paramount+ streams two additional hours from 12:00 to 2:00 PM ET on both days.
A Partnership That Continues to Shape Golf Broadcasting
CBS and Augusta National built a relationship that reshaped how fans experience golf. Their shared commitment to tradition, innovation, and excellence keeps the Masters broadcast unique. As the 90th Masters Tournament unfolds, viewers will see the result of decades of collaboration and a deep respect for the game.
