LIV Golf deny reports of sealed broadcast deal amid Fox Sports links

The LIV Golf Tour has denied reports that they are on the verge of signing a broadcast deal with Fox Sports. 

LIV Golf produced a statement that this information was "incomplete and inaccurate." It was first claimed by Golfweek that LIV would buy time on the popular channel as opposed to receiving payment.

"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," the company said in their statement.

"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."

In the proposed deal that was widely reported earlier this week, LIV Golf would buy time slots on FS1. Commissioner Greg Norman said himself that they were in talks with up to four different networks.

The Saudi-backed series was reportedly turned down by NBC, CBS, Apple TV, Disney and Amazon. NBC and CBS, as well as ESPN+ and Golf Channel, show the PGA Tour.

Currently, the LIV Golf Series is shown on YouTube. An advantage for golf fans is this is free viewing, but the breakaway league is not accessible on television yet.

As reported by Golfweek, an industry executive said Fox Sports were involved due to the interests of Lachlan Murdoch, the CEO of Fox Corp. Last month, Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Trump, was allegedly contacting broadcasters to promote the appeal of a package with LIV.

Last year, Kushner's private equity firm received $2 billion in funding from the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. The PIF is the majority shareholder of LIV Golf and the source of the multi-million contract deals given to each player.

This could explain the links between LIV Golf and Fox Sports, but the former has cooled rumours of a deal. There are three events left in the new league's inaugural season.