LIV denies report of network TV buy agreement with FOX

[September 29, 2022] LIV Golf disputed a Golfweek report that it plans to secure coveted broadcast rights with FOX in an unusual airtime purchase agreement.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the new Saudi-backed circuit wrote, "LIV Golf has exceeded expectations and remains ahead of schedule across numerous fronts, including broadcast rights. As we have stated previously, LIV Golf is just beginning its process and is in active discussions with several companies about broadcasting the LIV Golf League.

"We caution that no one should draw any conclusions about potential media rights given that we are still in the middle of negotiations with several outlets."

To date, LIV's 54-hole events have been streamed on YouTube and on the new tour's website. Five events have been played this year and there are three more on the schedule, with a $50 million season finale in Miami in October.

Most sports broadcasting rights deals see the network pay for the rights to air events. For example, the Big Ten Conference secured a new rights deal with multiple networks that could potentially pay $7 billion over seven years starting next summer.

The PGA Tour media rights deal, which includes international rights, is worth $6.3 billion over nine years.

But per the Golfweek report, LIV would pay FOX as if it were an advertiser and also be responsible for production and ad sales during the events, chores that typically are owned by the network.

Because LIV is financially backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, criticism from fans and competing players has been constant.

More than 20 former PGA Tour players, including prominent names such as Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and 2022 Open Championship winner Cam Smith of Australia, signed massive contracts to play on the LIV Golf Invitational Series.

--Field Level Media

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