Sky set to extend Masters rights deal

UK pay-television broadcaster Sky is set to agree a fresh deal for rights to US golf major the Masters, according to the Irish Times.

The newspaper said Sky has all-but confirmed an extension with event organiser Augusta National Golf Club, but not on a multiyear basis. “We work on short-term contracts with all of our broadcast partners,” an Augusta source told the Times.

Sky’s contract for the Masters ended with this year’s tournament, won by Spain’s Sergio Garcia (pictured) in April.

In March, public-service broadcaster the BBC extended its deal with Augusta. The new contract runs for two years, 2018 and 2019, with an option for a third. The BBC will continue to show live coverage on Saturdays and Sundays, along with highlights from Thursdays and Fridays.

Sky has been the main UK broadcaster of the Masters since 2011.