Fox Sports has secured the broadcast rights to the U.S. Open, bringing one of golf’s four major tournaments to its new sports network Fox Sports 1, Fox announced on Wednesday. This is the first time Fox has held the rights to one of golf’s majors – a group that also includes the Masters, the British Open and the PGA Championship.
The rights are part of a larger deal with the United States Golf Association that brings the U.S. Women’s Open and Senior Open to Fox networks as well.
The deal will begin in 2015. Financial terms were not disclosed.
“Our partnership with FOX Sports is a game-changer for our organization and for the game of golf,” USGA President Glen D. Nager said in a statement. “The game is evolving and requires bold and unique approaches on many levels, and FOX shares our vision to seek fresh thinking and innovative ideas to deliver championship golf. This partnership will help us to better lead and serve the game in new and exciting ways.”
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NBC previously held the rights to the final rounds of the event, as well as other USGA tournaments. The U.S. Open was the only major available for the foreseeable future to Fox, which is locking to add to its existing deals for the NFL, MLB and college football – among others – to aid Fox Sports 1.