What Network Is The British Open On

The British Open, officially known as The Open Championship, is broadcast in the United States primarily on ESPN and ABC, with extensive live streaming available via ESPN+ and the ESPN app. For golf fans searching for where to watch the British Open live, this combination of networks ensures comprehensive coverage across television and digital platforms. Whether you're tuning in from early morning tee-offs or weekend final rounds, knowing what network is the British Open on helps ensure you don’t miss a single shot at one of golf’s most historic majors.

Overview: Where to Watch The British Open

The British Open is the oldest major championship in professional golf, held annually around mid-July at various coastal links courses across the United Kingdom. As one of the four men's major championships recognized by the PGA Tour, it draws top players and millions of viewers worldwide. In the U.S., media rights are currently held by The Walt Disney Company through its ESPN and ABC networks under a long-term agreement with The R&A, the tournament’s organizer.

Television Broadcast Networks

In recent years, the primary linear TV coverage has been split between two Disney-owned networks:

ESPN: Provides early-round and weekday live coverage, typically from 4:00 AM to 1:00 PM ET, depending on the time zone difference and tee times in the UK.
ABC: Takes over weekend broadcasts (Saturday and Sunday), airing marquee afternoon coverage when American audiences are most active. These windows usually run from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM ET.

This dual-network strategy allows for extended live programming while catering to both hardcore golf enthusiasts who wake up early and casual fans watching during weekend mornings.

Streaming Options for Live Viewing

For cord-cutters and mobile viewers, streaming services offer flexible access:

ESPN+: Offers full live streaming of every hole and featured group throughout all four days. Subscribers can also access on-demand replays, highlights, and supplemental content such as player interviews and analysis shows.
ESPN App: Available on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick). Users must authenticate using their cable provider login or an ESPN+ subscription.
Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, FuboTV: These live TV streaming platforms include ESPN and ABC in their base packages, making them viable alternatives to traditional cable.

If you’re asking what channel is the British Open on today, checking your streaming service’s guide or visiting ESPN.com/golf will provide real-time updates based on your location and subscription status.

International Broadcast Information

Outside the United States, broadcast partners vary significantly by region:

United Kingdom: Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event hold exclusive rights, offering wall-to-wall coverage. BBC also provides daily highlights and select live holes on weekends.
Canada: TSN and RDS carry live coverage in English and French, respectively, with full streaming on TSN.ca and the TSN app.
Australia: Fox Sports and Kayo Sports deliver live action, while Nine Network offers delayed highlight programs.
India: Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV stream matches live across multiple regional language feeds.
Europe: Various Eurosport affiliates cover the event, with discovery+ serving as the main streaming platform.

Fans traveling abroad or using virtual private networks (VPNs) should be aware that geo-restrictions may apply. Accessing U.S.-based streams outside the country typically requires a valid subscription and compliance with local broadcasting laws.

Why Coverage Times Vary

Due to the British Open being played in the UK—typically seven to eight hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time—live telecasts begin very early in the morning for American audiences. Morning sessions often start between 1:30 AM and 4:00 AM ET, depending on daylight saving shifts and scheduling. This means:

Early risers get live access to opening groups and unpredictable weather conditions unique to seaside links golf.
Late finishers on Sunday can extend play into U.S. primetime, especially if playoffs occur.
Weekend ABC broadcasts are scheduled later to align with peak domestic viewership hours.

Understanding what network is showing the British Open right now depends heavily on the day of the week and stage of the tournament.

Typical Broadcast Schedule by Day

Day	U.S. Network	Time (ET)	Coverage Type
Thursday	ESPN	4:00 AM – 1:00 PM	Live Tournament Coverage
Friday	ESPN	4:00 AM – 1:00 PM	Live Tournament Coverage
Saturday	ABC / ESPN	8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (ABC) Overnight/early morning on ESPN	Prime Weekend Broadcast
Sunday	ABC / ESPN	8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (ABC) Extended coverage on ESPN if needed	Final Round & Ceremony

Note: Exact times may shift slightly year-to-year due to course logistics, weather delays, or international coordination.

How to Confirm What Network Is Broadcasting the British Open This Year

While ESPN and ABC have held consistent rights since 2020, media contracts do change over time. To verify current broadcast details:

Visit the Official Open Championship Website: Go to theopen.com and navigate to the “Watch” section for up-to-date global broadcaster listings.
Check ESPN’s Golf Schedule Page: espn.com/golf posts daily broadcast lineups during the tournament week.
Use Your TV Provider’s Guide: Search “The Open Championship” or “British Open” in your cable/satellite menu or streaming platform (e.g., Xfinity, DirecTV, YouTube TV).
Download the ESPN App: Set notifications for favorite players or specific tee times.
Follow @TheOpen and @ESPN on Social Media: Real-time updates about schedule changes, weather impacts, or emergency rescheduling are often posted first on Twitter/X and Instagram.

It’s important to note that policies and broadcast arrangements can evolve. For example, prior to 2020, Golf Channel and NBC were the primary U.S. broadcasters. Future deals could see shifts again post-2026, depending on negotiations between The R&A and media conglomerates.

Alternative Ways to Follow the Action

If you can't watch live, several options keep fans engaged:

Digital Leaderboards: Websites like PGA Tour Live, The Open’s official site, and ESPN.com update scoring in real time.
Podcasts and Post-Round Analysis: Shows like *The Fried Egg*, *No Laying Up*, and ESPN’s golf podcast release special British Open episodes each evening.
YouTube Highlights: Short recaps of key shots, birdies, and dramatic collapses are published within hours of play ending.
Radio Coverage: BBC Radio 5 Live and SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio provide audio commentary for those on the go.

Holiday and Special Event Context

Unlike fixed-holiday events such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, the British Open occurs annually in mid-July, often coinciding with Independence Day weekend in the U.S. (July 4th). While not a federal holiday itself, its placement near summer vacations and national celebrations increases viewership potential. However, unlike retail stores adjusting hours for holidays, broadcasters maintain consistent schedules driven by global audience demand rather than seasonal closures.

There is no variation in network availability due to holidays because the event takes precedence in sports programming. Even if the final round falls on July 4th, ABC and ESPN prioritize golf coverage over fireworks specials or patriotic programming—a testament to the tournament’s prestige.

Factors That Could Affect Broadcast Availability

Although rare, some circumstances might influence where and how you can watch:

Weather Delays: Heavy rain or high winds in Scotland or England can push play into Monday, requiring extended coverage on ESPN or overflow channels.
Technical Outages: Satellite or internet disruptions may temporarily affect streaming but are usually resolved quickly.
Exclusive Streaming Shifts: Future contracts might move more content exclusively to ESPN+, similar to Wimbledon’s partial shift to streaming-only early rounds.
Local Blackouts: Extremely uncommon for golf, but possible if another major sporting event (e.g., NBA Finals) overlaps and triggers regional programming decisions.

Always double-check close to airtime if unusual conflicts arise.

Practical Tips for Watching the British Open

To maximize your viewing experience:

Plan Around Early Tee Times: Use DVR or streaming pause functions to manage early-morning broadcasts.
Subscribe to ESPN+ If You Don’t Have Cable: At approximately $10–$15/month, it’s a cost-effective way to access all four days of live golf.
Join Fan Communities: Reddit’s r/golf and Discord servers allow real-time discussion without spoilers.
Set Multiple Alarms: Especially on Sunday, crucial putts often happen late in the afternoon UK time, which translates to mid-morning in the U.S.
Bookmark Reliable Sources: Save links to theopen.com, espn.com/golf, and your preferred sports news outlet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the British Open on TV this year?

Yes, the British Open is televised annually. In the U.S., it airs on ESPN and ABC, with full streaming on ESPN+ and the ESPN app.

What time is the British Open on ABC?

ABC typically broadcasts live coverage on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Eastern Time.

Can I stream the British Open for free?

Limited free previews may be available on ESPN.com or YouTube, but full live streaming requires authentication through a pay-TV provider or an ESPN+ subscription.

Does NBC still show the British Open?

No. NBC lost U.S. broadcast rights after 2019. Since 2020, ESPN and ABC have been the exclusive U.S. television homes for the tournament.

Where can I find highlights if I miss the live broadcast?

Daily highlight reels are available on ESPN.com, the ESPN app, YouTube, and The Open’s official website and social media channels.