LIV Golf reaches U.S. broadcasting deal with CW Network
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[January 20, 2023]
By Steve Keating
(Reuters) -LIV Golf has secured the United States television rights
deal it was seeking, announcing on Thursday that the CW Network will
broadcast all 14 events of the Saudi-backed series.
Beginning this year the CW Network will bring the rebel circuit's
tournaments to 120 million households across the United States, LIV
Golf said in a statement.
LIV Golf becomes the first sport on the CW Network which carries
primarily syndicated programming.
Details of the multi-year deal were not announced.
"This is a momentous day for LIV Golf as this partnership is about
more than just media rights," said LIV Golf CEO and commissioner
Greg Norman. "The CW will provide accessibility for our fans and
maximum exposure for our athletes and partners.
"We’re very
proud to note how consequential it is that a league that has only
existed for one year has secured a full broadcast deal in its debut
full league season."
Bankrolled by
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, LIV Golf has lured players
with the promise of guaranteed, big-money paydays and a reduced
schedule, while the U.S.-based PGA Tour has suspended members who
opted to join the rival circuit.
LIV Golf will play from February to September and features
simultaneous team and individual play with golfers competing for an
unprecedented $405 million in prize purses.
Among the more high-profile players to join LIV are World Golf Hall
of Fame member Phil Mickelson, twice major champion Dustin Johnson
and 2020 U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau.
Critics say LIV Golf amounts to blatant "sportswashing" by a nation
trying to improve its reputation tarnished by a history of human
rights abuses.
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General view of the 18th green and clubhouse during the second round
of the season finale of the LIV Golf series at Trump National Doral.
Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Securing a U.S. television deal was considered key to the growth of
the series which was only available via streaming on YouTube or on
the LIV Golf website during last year's inaugural season.
LIV Golf will launch it's second season in Mexico with a Feb. 24-26
event in Mayakoba.
Weekend tournaments will air live on Saturdays and Sundays on the CW
Network while Friday's round will be available on the CW App.
"For The CW, our partnership with LIV Golf marks a significant
milestone in our goal to re-engineer the network with quality,
diversified programming for our viewers, advertisers and CW
affiliates," said CW Network president Dennis Miller in a statement.
"This also marks the first time in The CW’s 17-year history that the
network is the exclusive broadcast home for live mainstream sports."
(Reporting by Steve Keating in Toronto. Editing by Toby Davis)
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