Thursday, May 7, 2026

CBS’ Masters Coverage Won’t Take Sides in PGA vs. LIV Feud

  • CBS won’t put its ‘head in the sand,’ says boss Sean McManus.
  • Nothing bigger than Masters, says analyst Trevor Immelman.
CBS Sports and the Masters
Rusty Jarrett/Augusta National/Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports

CBS Sports vows it will not play favorites in covering players from the competing PGA Tour and LIV Golf series during its coverage of next week’s 2023 Masters Tournament.

“The Masters Tournament and Augusta National is bigger than any player that has come before, any player that’s around now, and any player that will come in the years ahead,” said CBS’ Trevor Immelman, the 2008 champion who will call his first Masters as lead analyst with Jim Nantz. 

“What we are focused on is giving the tournament justice and crowning a great champion, putting a green jacket on a great champion that Sunday afternoon.”

Sean McManus, chairman of CBS Sports, promised that while the network won’t treat LIV players differently, it also won’t “cover up or hide” anything. 

This will be the first time PGA and LIV Golf rivals tee it up at Augusta National Golf Club with the coveted Green Jacket at stake.

Led by three-time winner Phil Mickelson (2010, 2006,2004), LIV boasts a number of former Masters champions, including:

  • Dustin Johnson (2020)
  • Patrick Reed (2018)
  • Sergio Garcia (2017)
  • Bubba Watson (2014, 2012)

The powerful Augusta National always wants to keep the focus on the players and the beauty of the grounds. 

As CBS director Sellers Shy said: “We’re not cheerleaders here. We just want to cover the golf tournament.” 

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

U.S. Open Falls Behind Masters in Prize Money: ‘It’s Not a Race’

The Masters increased its purse to $22.5 million this year.

LIV CEO Says League’s Value Lies in the Teams As Saudi Era Nears End

The league is looking for new investors in its 13 teams.

PGA Tour’s Two-Track Future on Display in the Carolinas This Week

Tournaments are taking place in Charlotte and Myrtle Beach, S.C.
In this photo illustration, a mobile device displays the Kalshi logo while a laptop displays the webpage of the prediction market platform in Copenhagen, Denmark, on February 10, 2026. (Photo by Kristian Tuxen Ladegaard Berg/NurPhoto)

Leagues Weigh In on Future Prediction Market Regulation

Safeguarding integrity and protecting consumers were common themes.

Featured Today

May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.
Tottenham Hotspur
May 6, 2026

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.
Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Punjab Kings - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - June 4, 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League
May 5, 2026

How Private Equity Fell in Love With Indian Cricket

India’s U.S.-style cricket league has become a private-equity playground.
Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
May 1, 2026

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
Potawatomi Sports Book patrons watch from the bar the University of Wisconsin men play UCLA on Friday, March 14, 2025. The venue is open for the first time during March Madness and is expecting to be busy over the next few weeks in Milwaukee.

Live Sports Streaming Ad Market Rife With Fraud, Experts Say

The rise of streaming has led to issues with ad sales.
Jun 7, 2025; Paris, FR; General view of Court Philippe Chatrier for the Coco Gauff of the United States and Aryna Sabalenka womenÕs final on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
May 7, 2026

Venus Williams, John Isner Expand Roles on TNT French Open Coverage

Genie Bouchard is also joining TNT’s coverage.
Mar 21, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts to a call against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
opinion
May 7, 2026

Draymond Green Embarrassed Himself With Charles Barkley Diss

Green took an ill-advised swipe at Barkley’s four seasons in Houston.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
May 7, 2026

MLB Is Seeing an Early Ratings Lift From New-Look TV Deals

The league’s new-look rights pacts are paying off so far.
May 6, 2026

Kara Lawson Took Amazon Job to Scout WNBA Players for Team USA

Lawson will be a WNBA game analyst for Amazon Prime Video.
May 6, 2026

ESPN Revenue Rises, but Disney’s Sports Profits Slip

Disney detailed the impact of heightened sports rights fees on the company.
Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Former NFL football player Shannon Sharpe in attendance of the WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2026

Could Skip Bayless ESPN Return Mean Shannon Sharpe Is Next?

A source says Sharpe’s return isn’t currently under consideration.