There is a specific, quiet electricity that descends upon Georgia every April. It is the scent of blooming azaleas mixing with the tension of the world’s most scrutinized fairways, all converging at Augusta National Golf Club. This year marks the 90th edition of the tournament, a milestone that reinforces why the event remains “a tradition unlike any other.”
For the fans unable to make the pilgrimage to the pines, the 2026 Masters TV schedule: Complete viewing guide with streaming coverage ensures that every chip shot and Sunday charge is accessible. With a 92-man field representing the pinnacle of the sport, the stakes have rarely been higher. The narrative is dominated by a quest for history, as reigning champion Rory McIlroy attempts to turn into the first man since Tiger Woods in 2001-02 to secure consecutive green jackets.
While the talent pool is deep, the 2026 field is defined as much by who is missing as who is teeing off. In a historic first since 1994, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson will compete at Augusta. Woods will miss the event for the sixth time in 13 years, while Mickelson cited ongoing personal health matters for his absence. This void leaves a wide-open door for world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who is chasing his third Masters title in five years—a feat only Woods has achieved in the modern era.
Beyond the heavy hitters, the field features a potent mix of established stars and rising phenoms. Names like Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, and Collin Morikawa are expected to contend, while 26-year-old Ludvig Åberg enters as a primary threat to disrupt the established order over the 72-hole trek.
How to Watch: The 2026 Masters Viewing Guide
Watching the Masters requires a multi-platform approach, as coverage is split between traditional cable, broadcast television, and several digital streaming services. For the first half of the tournament, ESPN handles the primary television broadcast, while CBS takes the reins for the critical weekend rounds.
Streaming enthusiasts have the most flexibility. Masters.com provides a comprehensive simulcast of the television coverage, while Paramount+ offers expanded windows, including two additional hours of early coverage on Saturday and Sunday before the main CBS broadcast begins.
For those who prefer a curated experience, “Masters Live” provides a digital hub with four dedicated channels. This allows viewers to toggle between Featured Groups, the legendary Amen Corner (Holes 11, 12, and 13), and the dramatic vistas of Holes 15, and 16.
Official 2026 Masters Broadcast Schedule
All times listed are Eastern Time (ET). To avoid missing the early morning tee times, viewers should note the distinction between the start of play and the start of the televised window.
| Day | Event/Round | Start Time | Primary TV/Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, April 8 | Par 3 Contest | 12:00 PM | ESPN / Masters.com |
| Thursday, April 9 | Round 1 | 8:30 AM | ESPN / Prime Video |
| Friday, April 10 | Round 2 | 8:30 AM | ESPN / Prime Video |
| Saturday, April 11 | Round 3 | 10:00 AM | CBS / Paramount+ |
| Sunday, April 12 | Round 4 | 10:00 AM | CBS / Paramount+ |
Detailed Daily Breakdown and Streaming Options
Wednesday, April 8: The Par 3 Contest
The festivities commence with the Par 3 Contest at noon. While the main TV coverage airs on ESPN from 2-4 p.m., fans can stream the action from 12-5 p.m. On Masters.com or 12-2 p.m. On ESPN+. Earlier in the day, “Masters on the Range” provides a glimpse into player preparations from 9-11 a.m. On CBS Sports Network and Paramount+.
Thursday, April 9 & Friday, April 10: The Opening Rounds
Play begins at 8:30 a.m. For the first two rounds. Digital viewers can access free streaming via the CBS Sports app and website. Those with a Paramount+ subscription can access the feed on connected devices. A unique window of early coverage is available via Prime Video from 1-3 p.m., followed by the primary ESPN broadcast from 3-7:30 p.m., which is also simulcast on Masters.com.
Saturday, April 11 & Sunday, April 12: The Weekend Finale
The pressure mounts as tee times shift to 10 a.m. For the final 36 holes. Paramount+ provides early coverage from 12-2 p.m., leading into the main CBS broadcast from 2-7 p.m. The weekend simulcast is available on Paramount+, CBSSports.com, and the CBS Sports app (login required). For those who miss the live action, encore presentations air on CBS Sports Network on Saturday night and Sunday evening.
The Voices of Augusta
The auditory experience of the Masters is as iconic as the visuals. Jim Nantz returns for his 41st year covering the event, serving as host for the 39th time. He is joined by 2008 champion Trevor Immelman, who enters his fourth consecutive year as the lead analyst.
The broadcast is supported by a deep bench of experts, including on-course reporter Dottie Pepper and analysts Colt Knost, Frank Nobilo, Andrew Catalon, and Amanda Balionis. To provide a more granular look at the course, specialized teams are stationed at the most critical points: Grant Boone and Mark Immelman cover Amen Corner, while Iona Stephen, Ned Michaels, and Geoff Ogilvy handle the analysis for Holes 15 and 16.
Beyond the live rounds, the weekend features special programming. Saturday includes “We Need to Talk at the Masters” and highlights from the Asia-Pacific and Latin America Amateur Championships. Sunday’s pre-game coverage includes a 40th-anniversary reflection of Jack Nicklaus’ 1986 victory and a retrospective on Rory McIlroy’s previous success at the club.
As the field prepares to seize their places on the first tee, the focus remains on whether the reigning champion can hold off a surging world No. 1. The first official shot of the 90th Masters is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. On Thursday, April 9.
Do you think McIlroy can secure back-to-back jackets, or is Scheffler too dominant? Share your predictions in the comments below.
