“TV rights are like houses” – USGA CEO defends US Open’s $115 million broadcasting price tag

USGA CEO Mike Whan gave his take on the million-dollar broadcasting amount for the men's US Open. Fox Sports had signed a whopping $1 billion contract for 12 years to broadcast the Major. The deal began in 2015 and was scheduled to conclude in 2026.

However, in 2020, Fox Sports ended its contract with the USGA, and NBC stepped up to serve the remaining term. Since the 2020 US Open, NBC Universal has held the rights to cover the Major.

Recently, in an interview with Golf Digest, Mike Whan was asked about the money involved in broadcasting the US Open and the difference in figures projected by NBC and the USGA.

Golf analyst Max Adler asked Whan,

"Everybody knows the men’s U.S. Open is the moneymaker. Fox and NBC combine to pay the USGA more than $90 million a year in rights fees, but NBC’s portion is less than $40 million. NBC keeps saying $40 million is what it’s worth, but the USGA projection is $115 million. How do you see closing the gap?"

Whan replied,

"TV rights are like houses. They’re whatever somebody's willing to pay. Look at our TV ratings over the last five years and you’ll have no concern whether we can generate an audience that you can sell."

He further opined on changes in sports broadcasting.

"I get it. Like home prices, nobody likes what they're paying for TV rights. But whether you're talking Major League Soccer, U.S. Open tennis, golf or anything else, nothing's delivering for TV like live sports right now. And nothing delivers like a major on Father's Day weekend."

The US Open is one of the oldest golf events, usually played in June. This year, the event was held at Pinehurst No. 2 golf course, where Bryson DeChambeau registered a one-stroke win over Rory McIlroy.

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"That bums me out" - USGA CEO on the US Open ranking compared to other Majors

Men's golf has four Major events each year: the Masters, the US Open, the PGA Championship, and The Open Championship. Among them all, in modern times, the Masters holds significant prestige, followed by The Open, with the remaining two Majors following.

In his recent interview with Golf Digest, Whan was asked what he would be doing to "increase the stature of the USGA's most important asset." Whan replied,

"If that’s true, that bums me out. We must have a philosophy of how we’re going to run a championship and be unwavering. We’ve made the mistake at times of listening to too many points of view. What I've said to our team is, let's build the strategy we believe in and commit, no matter where we are or what the score is."

The US Open began in 1895 and is one of the most popular golf tournaments. However, unlike the Masters, which takes place at Augusta National every year, the US Open is held at different venues. The next edition will take place at Oakmont Country Club in Plum, Pennsylvania.