LIV Golf has secured the United States tv deal it had been looking for, asserting on Thursday that the CW Network will broadcast all 14 occasions of the Saudi-backed collection.
Beginning this yr the CW Network will deliver the insurgent circuit’s tournaments to 120m households throughout the US, LIV Golf mentioned in a press release.
“This is a momentous day for LIV Golf as this partnership is about more than just media rights,” mentioned LIV Golf’s 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 guaranteed, big-money paydays and a reduced schedule, while the US-based PGA Tour has suspended members who opted to join the rival circuit.
The “multi-year partnership” represents the primary foray into sports activities programming for the CW, the 16-year-old community finest identified for dramas focusing on youthful audiences, reminiscent of Riverdale, Supernatural and the Vampire Diaries.
The 54-hole occasions within the Saudi-funded league might be aired reside on Saturdays and Sundays. Friday’s opening rounds might be on the CW App.
The period and actual monetary phrases of the partnership haven’t been disclosed, however Yahoo Sports has reported that LIV Golf is just not paying the CW to air its tournaments and the “agreement is mutually financially beneficial to both parties”, citing a LIV supply. SI.com has reported that LIV will share revenues from promoting with the CW and might be closely concerned within the promotion of the broadcasts.
LIV Golf will play from February to September and options simultaneous group and particular person play with golfers competing for $405m in prize purses. The eight occasions in LIV’s debut season have been broadcast through its web site and YouTube.
Among the extra high-profile gamers to affix LIV are World Golf Hall of Fame member Phil Mickelson, twice main champion Dustin Johnson and 2020 US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau.
Critics say LIV Golf quantities to blatant “sportswashing” by a nation making an attempt to enhance its fame tarnished by a historical past of human rights abuses.
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