PHILADELPHIA, PA — Comcast Business (Nasdaq: CMCSA) said it recently provided network infrastructure and broadcast connectivity for the 2026 THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass, supporting more than 200,000 attendees and enabling expanded viewing capabilities, including a RealTime4K broadcast for Xfinity customers.
The company said the deployment included more than 600 miles of fiber, over 400 wireless access points and 110 enterprise network switches across the 7,725-yard course to support tournament operations, fan connectivity and NBC Sports’ broadcast production.
The network handled nearly 58,000 connected devices during tournament week, more than triple the prior year, and supported peak usage of over 16,500 simultaneous WiFi users in high-density areas such as the 17th hole and 18th green.
Comcast Business said fans consumed about 50 percent more data per user and uploaded 57 percent more content per user on enhanced WiFi networks compared to standard connections, generating nearly 40 terabytes of total WiFi traffic.
The tournament also delivered NBC Sports’ most-watched PLAYERS broadcast in five years, averaging 4.4 million viewers for the final round across NBC and Peacock and peaking at 7.1 million viewers, according to the company.
Saturday’s third round averaged 3.1 million viewers, the largest audience for that round since 2021.
Comcast said its network supported real-time content sharing during key moments, including Cameron Young’s birdie on the 17th hole and final stretch on the 18th, which drove spikes in data usage across the venue.
For the first time, Xfinity customers received the tournament in RealTime4K, which the company said provides lower latency and improved visual clarity compared with standard broadcasts.
Viewers also had access to interactive features such as Fan View and Create Your Own Multiview, allowing customized viewing options.
The deployment included targeted WiFi 7 coverage in high-traffic areas, including the 17th hole, 18th tee grandstands and fan zones, with speeds exceeding 500 Mbps and peak performance approaching 1 Gbps, the company said.
Comcast also provided a dedicated fiber transport network connecting NBC Sports’ broadcast infrastructure, linking cameras, production compounds and distribution systems across the course.
That infrastructure supported expanded production capabilities, including aerial coverage and augmented reality features using drone technology, the company said.
Eileen Diskin, chief marketing officer of Comcast Business, said the deployment integrated on-site connectivity with broadcast distribution and in-home viewing.
“What makes this deployment unique is that the same company powering on-course connectivity is also distributing the broadcast and delivering the in-home experience,” Diskin said.
Comcast said similar infrastructure has supported other large-scale events, including Super Bowl LX, the NBA All-Star Game and the 2026 Winter Olympics.
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