The 2026 Masters Tournament is underway at Augusta National, and golf fans have more ways to watch than ever before as Amazon Prime Video joins the broadcast lineup for the first time. With defending champion Rory McIlroy sharing the lead after Thursday's opening round, viewers are scrambling to find out how to catch every moment of the action—whether they prefer traditional TV, streaming services, or free options.
Amazon Enters the Masters Broadcast Booth with Historic Streaming Deal
In a landmark move for golf broadcasting, Amazon Prime Video has become the fourth-ever media partner for the Masters Tournament, offering two hours of exclusive early coverage on Thursday and Friday. According to CNBC, this marks Amazon's debut as a Masters partner, providing coverage from 1-3 p.m. ET on the first two rounds. The addition of Amazon complements existing streaming options, including Paramount+ which handles early weekend coverage, as reported by Golf.com. Meanwhile, traditional TV giants ESPN and CBS maintain their longstanding roles, with ESPN airing Thursday-Friday rounds and CBS taking over for the weekend.
Masters 2026 Viewing Timeline: Key Dates and Times
The second round of the 2026 Masters kicks off Friday, April 10, with tee times starting in the morning. According to CBS Sports and The Athletic, Friday's coverage schedule includes early streaming on Masters.com and the Masters app from 1-7:30 p.m. ET, followed by Prime Video's exclusive window from 1-3 p.m. ET, and ESPN's TV broadcast from 3-7:30 p.m. ET. Weekend coverage shifts to CBS, with early streaming on Paramount+ and full TV coverage on CBS from 2-7 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday. For fans outside the U.S., Sky Sports provides comprehensive coverage in the UK, while other international broadcasters offer localized options.
Why Amazon's Masters Move Signals a New Era for Golf Broadcasting
Amazon's entry into Masters coverage represents a significant shift in how major golf tournaments are consumed. As TechRadar notes, the tournament is now available on more platforms than ever, giving viewers unprecedented flexibility. The free streaming options on Masters.com and the Masters app remain a fan favorite, offering multiple feeds like featured groups, Amen Corner (holes 11, 12, and 13), and holes 15 and 16. This multi-platform approach reflects a broader trend in sports media, where streaming services are increasingly competing with traditional networks for premium live events.
Where the Tournament Stands: McIlroy Leads as Round 2 Unfolds
On the course, defending champion Rory McIlroy shares the lead with Sam Burns at 5-under par after the first round, setting the stage for a thrilling second day. According to live updates from The Athletic, McIlroy made a strong start to his title defense, while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler sits just a few strokes back. The conditions at Augusta National have been described as "sunny but scary" by the PGA Tour, with fast greens and challenging pin positions testing the field. As Round 2 progresses, the cut line will become a major focus, with projections hovering around 5-over par.
Weekend Coverage and Cut Line Predictions
Once the cut is made after Friday's round, the weekend coverage will feature the remaining contenders battling for the green jacket. CBS will take over TV duties, with streaming available on Paramount+ and Masters.com. Experts predict that the challenging conditions could lead to a higher cut line than usual, potentially around 5-over par. For those who miss the live action, full replays will be available on Masters.com and via the ESPN+ service.
Key Takeaways for Masters 2026 Viewers
• Amazon Prime Video offers exclusive early coverage Thursday-Friday (1-3 p.m. ET)
• Masters.com and the Masters app provide free streaming of multiple feeds
• ESPN covers Thursday-Friday rounds (3-7:30 p.m. ET)
• CBS handles weekend coverage (2-7 p.m. ET)
• Paramount+ streams early weekend coverage
• Rory McIlroy shares the lead after Round 1 at 5-under par
With more viewing options than ever, the 2026 Masters is set to be the most accessible tournament in history, combining traditional broadcasting with cutting-edge streaming technology.
