How To Watch The 2026 Masters Tournament Live This Weekend
The 2026 Masters Tournament begins today at Augusta National Golf Club, driving a surge in searches for viewing options. Golf fans across the U.S. are scrambling to find live coverage as Tiger Woods makes a highly anticipated return to competition after his 2025 injury.
ESPN holds exclusive rights to Thursday and Friday's early rounds, with CBS broadcasting weekend play. Streaming is available via Masters.com, the ESPN+ platform, and Paramount+. Cable subscribers can also watch through the ESPN and CBS Sports apps with login credentials.
Augusta National's strict broadcast policies mean limited commercial interruptions but also fewer viewing alternatives. This year's tournament features tighter streaming authentication requirements, frustrating some cord-cutters. Social media reports indicate heavy traffic on streaming platforms during practice rounds earlier this week.
The tournament coincides with peak spring golf interest as northern states emerge from winter. Sports bars in major markets like Chicago and Boston are promoting Masters viewing parties, capitalizing on warmer weekend forecasts. PGA Tour officials expect record digital viewership following 2025's ratings surge.
Television coverage begins at 3 p.m. ET today on ESPN, with featured group streaming starting at 9:15 a.m. Weekend tee times will be adjusted due to predicted Saturday thunderstorms, adding urgency for fans to confirm their viewing plans. Augusta National's official app provides real-time leaderboard updates and on-demand highlights.
This marks the first Masters since 2019 without Jim Nantz calling the action for CBS, following his retirement last year. New lead commentator Ian Baker-Finch has drawn mixed reactions during practice round broadcasts, contributing to the pre-tournament buzz.
Local CBS affiliates remind viewers that Sunday's final round will air simultaneously on their primary channels and Paramount+, breaking from previous years' streaming delays. Tournament organizers confirmed enhanced security measures after 2025's protest incident at the 12th hole.
Golf retailers report increased sales of Augusta-branded merchandise ahead of the tournament, with the official online store experiencing periodic crashes. The Masters remains the only major championship that doesn't offer full-day live network coverage, a policy that continues to drive digital traffic.
