LIV Golf in "live conversations" with television networks, says Greg Norman
According to LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman, the controversial series is fielding an abundance of interest from television networks.
LIV Golf is in "live conversations" with a number of different television stations, says Greg Norman, as the Saudi-backed series attempts to launch into mainstream broadcasting.
In an interview with ESPN 1000 on Wednesday, the Australian commissioner believes the value of the LIV Golf product will be enough to attract a network to take a chance on a tour which has been severely scrutinised.
Currently, each of the four LIV Golf Invitationals has been shown live on YouTube which is free to air. The fifth invitational in Chicago this week will follow suit.
The breakaway series has recruited Arlo White, Dom Boulet, Troy Mullins, Jerry Foltz, Su-Ann Heng and David Feherty to their broadcast team in its inaugural year, but it is yet to seal a deal with a major broadcasting station.
"Well, yeah, I can’t comment on that quite honestly. All I can tell you is that the interest coming across our plate right now is enormous," Norman said.
"We’re talking to four different networks - and live conversations where offers are being put on the table. Because they can see the value of our product, they can see what we’re delivering."
Since the first event of the LIV Golf Tour at the beginning of June, the likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith and Joaquin Niemann are notable names to have left the PGA Tour and made the switch.
The 48-man fields have got progressively stronger and more recognisable which no doubt increases the tour's appeal to major networks.
NBC and CBS are tied up with the PGA Tour while ESPN also shows footage of the American circuit. FOX could be one of the four networks which Norman speaks of.
Sky Sports is the exclusive broadcaster of the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour in the UK and Apple TV has reportedly turned down the opportunity to show the LIV Golf Series in 2023.
Subscription sites such as Amazon and DAZN could be alternate options for Norman, while BT Sport is yet to delve into the golf world in the UK.
