The LIV Golf circuit, which has been controversial, has signed many big names and generated a lot of discussion over the last few months. However, one thing it hasn’t had is a deal with a broadcaster to air its events on television.
According to a Tuesday night report, that could be changing.
GolfweekAccording to multiple sources, LIV Golf is close in a deal to purchase air time on Fox Sports. The deal would see its events broadcast on FS1. According to the report, the deal is still being finalized.
LIV Golf has already played five events in its inaugural season. Three more are on the horizon before the year ends. It will add 14 tournaments in 2023. Golfweek reported that it was not immediately clear if the agreement would be made with Fox Sports once it is finalized.
LIVs shotgun-start 54-hole events have been streamed so far on YouTube as well as the tour website. Commissioner Greg NormanLIV had earlier this month stated that it was in talks with four potential media companies about a partnership, but he did not elaborate.
According to a source, the deal with Fox Sports would allow LIV to buy airtime on the network, rather than receiving a fee from Fox Sports. This is unusual in the world of sports rights. LIV requested a rights fee for year 2, as well as a guaranteed slot for its airings. Fox Sports declined both requests, according to a source familiar. Golfweek was not informed of the details of the talks. According to the report LIV would also be responsible production and ad sales.
More than twenty-six PGA Tour members have defected from the tour to LIV Golf in recent weeks, including past major champions. Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks KoepkaAnd Bubba Watson. Due to the financial backing of Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund, the breakaway tour has been widely criticised.
