How To Watch The Masters 2026 Live Today
The 2026 Masters Tournament tees off today at Augusta National Golf Club, drawing millions of viewers eager to catch the action. With Tiger Woods making a surprise return and rising stars like Scottie Scheffler in contention, interest in live coverage has spiked across the U.S.
ESPN holds early-round broadcast rights, with coverage starting at 3 p.m. ET. CBS takes over for weekend rounds, airing Saturday and Sunday from 3-7 p.m. ET. Streaming options include Masters.com, the Masters app, ESPN+, and Paramount+ with Showtime.
Augusta National's strict media policies mean limited viewing options beyond official partners. Cord-cutters can access coverage through YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV, all offering free trials. The tournament's limited commercial breaks make it particularly appealing to golf purists.
This year's Masters gains extra attention due to Woods' unexpected participation after recovering from 2025 ankle surgery. The 50-year-old seeks his sixth green jacket, while defending champion Jon Rahm aims to repeat his 2025 victory. Weather forecasts predict ideal conditions at Augusta, with sunny skies and highs near 75°F.
Google search trends show "Masters live stream" queries up 380% this morning compared to last week. Sports bars nationwide report increased reservations for viewing parties, particularly in golf-heavy markets like Florida, Texas, and California. The tournament's timing during tax season traditionally boosts workplace viewership.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley confirmed no changes to the broadcast format despite recent PGA Tour controversies. The club maintains its tradition of limited commercial interruptions, with just four minutes of ads per hour. This approach has helped the Masters maintain the highest TV ratings in golf.
Mobile viewers should note Masters.com offers unique features like four simultaneous streams, including Amen Corner coverage and featured group tracking. The service requires no login for the first two hours daily, a policy unchanged since 2016. International viewers can access coverage through Sky Sports (UK) or TSN (Canada).
Golf analysts predict record digital viewership this year, potentially surpassing 2025's 12.8 million unique streams. The tournament's move to slightly earlier April dates avoids conflicts with major league baseball openers, a scheduling change implemented in 2024. Ticket resale prices hit $3,500 for today's practice round passes, reflecting intense demand.
