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U.S. Open Makes Decision On Negotiating Window With NBC

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Mar 14, 2025 1:21 PM ET

NBC has held the U.S. Open broadcast rights since 2020 after taking on the remaining years on FOX's deal with the golf major. But with that deal set to expire in 2026, the U.S. Open has some decision-making to do.

According to the Sports Business Journal, the U.S. Open is expected to hit the open market on its broadcasting rights after failing to reach a new deal with NBC. Per the report, the larger fees seem to be NBC from signing on the dotted line to keep it.

“The USGA is in the market for its next media partner after it did not reach a deal with NBCU during their exclusive negotiating window, per people familiar,” SBJ's Josh Carpenter reported.

The USGA is in the market for its next media partner after it did not reach a deal with NBCU during their exclusive negotiating window, per people familiar https://t.co/2oNrLnyIgt
— Josh Carpenter (@JoshACarpenter) March 13, 2025

Upon taking over the broadcasting rights to the USGA from FOX, NBC got to enjoy a tidy discount, paying only $37 million per year for both the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. FOX, meanwhile, was still required to pay the remaining $53 million per year as part of the deal.

But under the new deal, NBC would have to pay substantially more, which has apparently caused them to balk at re-signing.

That said, there currently doesn't appear to be a clear favorite to pick up the U.S. Open ahead of the expiration of the deal.

“It’s unclear which networks or companies would be in the mix for the rights," the outlet reported.

However, Sports Business Journal does speculate that USGA will divide up its offerings in order to make buying some of their individual events - specifically the U.S. Open - a lot more affordable.

The 2024 U.S. Open saw Bryson DeChambeau win the prestigious title for the second time in his career.

The 2025 U.S. Open will be held at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. It will be the third major on this year's calendar after the Masters and PGA Championship.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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