The Masters has granted ESPN exclusive U.S. rights to televise the first two rounds of the prestigious Masters Tournament beginning in 2008, it was announced today by Billy Payne, Chairman of the Masters Tournament and Augusta National Golf Club, and ESPN President George Bodenheimer. A Spanish-language telecast of the first two rounds of the Tournament will also be presented in the U.S. on ESPN Deportes.
ESPN has televised the Masters internationally since 1993, bringing last year’s Tournament to Latin America, Canada and parts of Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
“With the worldwide reach of ESPN, and their demonstrated leadership in new media, we think ESPN is uniquely positioned to showcase the Masters and golf to new audiences,” Payne said.
Bodenheimer added: “For sports fans, the Masters represents a hallowed rite of spring with its rich tradition and indelible imagery. We are honored by the opportunity to work with the Tournament to help it achieve its goal of growing the game of golf around the world.”
ESPN and ESPN HD will present live first- and second-round coverage from 4-7 p.m. ET each day. The telecasts will be replayed in primetime each night from 8-11 p.m. ESPN Deportes, the company’s Spanish-language U.S. sports network, will also televise the first and second rounds from 4-7 p.m. each day.
ESPN’s Mike Tirico will serve as host of ESPN’s telecasts. Also, a special preview show will be aired the Wednesday of Masters week.
ESPN Classic will also televise Official Masters Films, Wednesday and Thursday leading up to the first-round telecast.
The 2008 Masters will be contested April 7-13.
