BBC Sport Secures Rights to The Open Championship Through 2027
Golf fans across the UK will continue to enjoy free-to-air coverage of The Open Championship as BBC Sport has agreed a new multi-year deal with The R&A, securing broadcast rights through 2027.
The announcement comes just ahead of the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, teeing off this week.
The agreement ensures the BBC will continue to deliver radio commentaries, TV highlights, and digital content, giving UK audiences comprehensive access to one of golf’s four majors.
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, commented:
“This is a fantastic deal that ensures audiences can continue to enjoy the very best of The Open across BBC Sport. It’s an iconic moment in the sporting calendar, and BBC Sport will bring the drama and stories to life on TV, iPlayer, Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and online.”
What the New Deal Includes
Under the new agreement, the BBC will provide:
- 38 hours of live radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds
- TV highlights packages covering all four rounds
- Digital clips and live text commentary across BBC Sport’s website and app
- Social media content to share key moments and updates in real time
The coverage begins with Thursday’s first tee shot during 5 Live Breakfast and wraps with the final putt on Sunday evening.
Coverage at The 153rd Open
As part of the launch for this renewed partnership, the BBC team is on-site at Royal Portrush, delivering content from the course throughout the week.
Golf Correspondent Iain Carter leads radio commentary alongside presenters Mark Chapman and Colin Murray, with in-depth reporting from inside the ropes.
On the TV side, Sarah Mulkerrins and Rishi Persad head the presenting team, supported by expert commentary from Andrew Cotter and Ken Brown.
Viewers can expect a familiar mix of highlights, feature stories, and the ever-popular “Ken on the Course” analysis segment.
Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, said:
“Extending our long-standing partnership with BBC Sport is incredibly important in ensuring that the drama and excitement of these historic championships will continue to be enjoyed by millions of viewers throughout the UK.”
Darbon adds, “The Open sits at the heart of the great British sporting summer, and the BBC’s extensive radio, television, and digital coverage will mean that the compelling stories from the Championship are shared with existing fans as well as inspiring new ones.”
A Tradition Renewed
The Open is among the most iconic events in the golfing calendar and remains a cornerstone of the UK’s summer sports schedule.
With the BBC’s reach across platforms and its longstanding connection with the Championship, this deal ensures both continuity and accessibility for golf fans.
Whether through live radio coverage, expert analysis, or short-form digital highlights, BBC Sport is poised to deliver the drama, precision, and unpredictability of links golf at its finest to millions across the UK.
For live coverage of The Open and daily highlights, visit BBC Sport or tune in to BBC Radio 5 Live.
