"Without saying too much, we are pleased with the progress we're making."

I know it's ESPN and this is pocket change, but I continue to be astounded by the dollar figure being reported as a possible Open Championship rights fee, noted in this case by Mike Aitken:

An imminent new American TV deal, thought to be worth around $25 million a year, will aid the Royal and Ancient, the organisers of the Open, in a bid to keep admission costs down for spectators at the only major championship held outside the US.

After confirming yesterday that ticket prices for the 2009 Open at Turnberry, as well as prices on site for catering and merchandise, will be kept at the same level as this year's championship at Birkdale, David Hill, the R&A's director of championships, revealed the organisation is close to clinching a new agreement for TV rights in the USA.

"At least 60 per cent of our income comes from television revenues," he explained. "All our key contracts are in place. As we speak we are re-negotiating in America. Without saying too much, we are pleased with the progress we're making." 

Comments

[ArdmoreAri]

How many U.S. PGA Tour events does the WORLDWIDE leader in sports televise?

[thusgone]

this is a nice contrast to the usga's policy of monetizing the heck out of the us open.

[Ripped off]

ESPN just passes the rights fees on to cable subscribers...of your cable bill already $5 or more goes to espn so they raise it a nickel per month...this would give them piece of 4 majors Augusta, US Open and Ryder Cup already under the Bristol tent.

Doesn't matter much to viewers still get the same basic team Tirico & Co...no more TNT no great loss.