Rory McIlroy’s thrilling playoff win at the 2025 Masters sparked a viewership rebound for the PGA Tour’s first major of the season. Imagn Images
The Masters heads into the 2026 event on the heels of its best final round performance since 2018, as Rory McIlroy secured his first green jacket last year. That was a 33% jump over 2024. Sunday at the Masters also delivered Paramount+ its largest non-NFL sports day. For early round coverage, ESPN will look to rebound after a lower Thursday/Friday average in 2025 (it had to compare to a 2024 that featured Tiger Woods playing).
Related: CBS shot tracker for final round of the 2025 Masters
