Johnson Wagner may have done his last golf broadcast for Golf Channel last night at the Golf Channel Games. Golfweek has learned that Wagner, a 45-year-old veteran professional, is leaving the cable channel to take a new role as on-course reporter at CBS Sports. The position was previously held by Colt Knost.
Two weeks ago, Knost was promoted from that role to analyst at CBS. His new perch will be in the “Supertower” alongside host Jim Nantz, lead analyst Trevor Immelman, and fellow analyst Frank Nobilo. Knost replaces Ian Baker-Finch, who retired in August after 18 years with the network.
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Wagner started with the NBC Sports family of networks in 2023, popularizing a segment on the Golf Channel where he tries to recreate the day’s shots in featured tournaments. He was a frequent contributor to Golf Central and Golf Central Live, and worked as an on-course reporter and analyst for several smaller events. He also co-hosts the “Wagyu and Filet” show with Brendon de Jonge.
Wagner’s contract with Golf Channel was set to expire at the end of the year, according to multiple sources. He will work exclusively for CBS, where he will cover the entire Masters, PGA Championship and FedEx Cup Playoffs among the network’s tournaments in 2026. Wagner, CBS and Golf Channel officials all declined to comment for this article. An official announcement could be made by the end of this week.
Scottie Scheffler was interviewed by Golf Channel’s Johnson Wagner on the 12th hole during a practice round for the 152nd British Open Championship to be held at Royal Troon in 2024.
A former PGA Tour player who turned pro in 2002, Wagner won three times on the circuit before moving on to television.
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Wagner isn’t the only Golf Channel talent to step into a new role.
Cara Banks joins NBC Sports after working for Golf Channel for more than a decade. Banks primarily hosted studio shows, but was also frequently on-site at events as a reporter and even provided play-by-play at LPGA events. The move coincides with Golf Channel’s separation from NBCUniversal through a spinoff. She will continue to work on NBC’s weekend golf coverage, as well as take on new roles in Premier League Soccer and the Olympics.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Johnson Wagner leaves CBS Sports Golf Channel
