Signage on a golf ball on the LIV golf match on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois.
Brian Cassella | Tribune News Service | Getty Images
LIV Golf reached a multiyear deal to make CW Network the unique U.S. broadcast associate of the Saudi-funded skilled tour that launched final 12 months with dozens of gamers, together with Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson.
The CW will air the 14 world occasions of the 2023 LIV Golf League season, beginning with one in Mexico from Feb. 24 to Feb. 26.
Saturday and Sunday tournaments will air reside on the CW and the CW app, and Friday occasions shall be accessible on the app, the community stated in a press launch.
Nexstar Media Group owns 75% of the CW, which is understood for airing exhibits primarily attracting youthful audiences. It didn’t disclose the monetary phrases of the settlement.
CW Network President Dennis Miller in a press launch stated the partnership “marks a significant milestone in our goal to re-engineer the network.” He added this was the primary time within the firm’s historical past that it had develop into the unique broadcast house for reside mainstream sports activities.
The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, which is managed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has dedicated no less than $2 billion to the golf circuit and in addition backs LIV’s main match sponsor, actual property developer ROSHN.
Until now, LIV has but to air its matches on a serious U.S. community after Apple and Amazon handed on protection offers. LIV occasions have been free for viewers on-line, together with Alphabet‘s YouTube.
“The CW will provide accessibility for our fans and maximum exposure for our athletes and partners as their reach includes more than 120 million households across the United States,” stated LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman in a press launch.
The league has struggled to drag in sponsors for its tournaments and critics have accused the Saudi funding fund of “sportswashing” to enhance Saudi Arabia’s picture.
As its title in Roman numerals suggests, LIV Golf tournaments characteristic 54 holes as an alternative of the widespread 72. There are additionally 12 groups, a complete of 48 gamers and shotgun begins.
In October, the PGA Tour filed a lawsuit in opposition to LIV’s Saudi backers in an try and power proof discovery, a continuation of antitrust claims between the rivals.
LIV sued the PGA Tour a month prior alleging anti-competitive practices and monopolistic conduct. In response, the tour countersued LIV Golf, accusing it of interfering with its offers. Tiger Woods reportedly rejected an $800 million supply to affix the league.
The PGA Tour beforehand suspended 17 gamers for enjoying within the inaugural LIV Golf match in June, which the Saudi-tied tour referred to as an “effort to stifle competition.” LIV’s Norman visited Capitol Hill in September to satisfy with members of Congress.