LIV Golf has taken a major step forward in its battle for supremacy with the PGA Tour after securing the United States television deal that Greg Norman has craved.
The Saudi-backed venture hosted eight event in 2022 across America, England, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia. It was Dustin Johnson who won the individual series, as well as more than £30 million in prize money, but few fans were able to follow events live.
Tournaments were streamed via the LIV Golf website and YouTube page, but attracted paltry audiences. The failure to secure television coverage undoubtedly proved a dent in Norman's bid to disrupt the status quo and attract a global audience.
But on Thursday, it was announced that the CW Network will broadcast all 14 events of the rebel series to 120 million households in the US. And Norman has lauded the "momentous deal" which he believes will help get his players the recognition they deserve.
“This is a momentous day for LIV Golf as this partnership is about more than just media rights,” said LIV Golf’s CEO and commissioner, via the Guardian . “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."
LIV events run over three days and 54-holes, and will be aired live on Saturdays and Sundays. Friday’s opening rounds will be available to interested viewers on the CW App.
The exact financial terms of the partnership have not been disclosed, but Yahoo Sports has reported that LIV Golf is not paying the CW to air its events. The report also stated that the “agreement is mutually financially beneficial to both parties," citing a LIV source.
The news comes amid huge legal wrangling between the PGA Tour and LIV players, with the latter going to the courts to try and overturn bans from their tournaments. They 2023 Ryder Cup is also in jeopardy, with both team captains still in the dark as to whether defectors will be available for selection.
Potentially, Team USA could be without the likes of Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Brooks Koepka, who all played key roles in their resounding 2021 win. Team Europe meanwhile, have already sensationally sacked former skipper Henrik Stenson after he signed with Norman, instilling Luke Donald as his replacement.
