Report: PGA Tour 'worried' as LIV Golf closes in on primary target
LIV Golf are reportedly in the 'final stages' of securing a major TV deal with one of America's biggest networks.
LIV Golf are reportedly in the 'final stages' of signing a TV deal with one of America's biggest stations.
Telegraph Sport claim executives from the breakaway tour are on the brink of announcing a multi-year deal with Fox.
The rival league begins their third full season next month, with the first event being staged in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh.
Details remain sketchy, but it is understood that LIV will deliver the coverage in full with its in-house production and that Fox will provide an income stream, whether that comes in the form of actual rights fees or a revenue-sharing agreement.
LIV Golf have encountered several challenges in securing a stable and lucrative television broadcast deal.
During their inaugural season, LIV relied on free streaming platforms such as YouTube to broadcast its events.
They also streamed tournaments on their free mobile app.
In January 2023, LIV finally secured a broadcast arrangement with The CW network.
Weekend rounds were televised whilst weekday action was only available from their app.
Greg Norman, who has confirmed he will be replaced as LIV's commissioner, acknowledged the lack of a proper TV deal has been frustrating.
“Where we're falling short is due to the headwinds in not getting a network [TV] deal," Norman previously told GOLF.
"That creates uncertainty in the marketplace. [A lot of companies say] let's see what happens.
"That rolls into sponsorship. We have an enormous number of big corporations who are talking to us and would be very keen to come on."
If a deal is agreed soon it could spark concerns at PGA Tour HQ.
Executives from the circuit and Saudi Arabia's PIF have been negotiating a 'framework agreement' for the last 18 months.
If a TV deal is agreed before a definitive agreement between the two parties is reached, it would certainly ramp up pressure.
Why haven't LIV Golf secured a TV deal before now?
This can be put down to a number of factors.
Market competition is one as the PGA Tour has longstanding relationships with the major networks.
LIV is also bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
Critics have accused the Kingdom of sportswashing, which could have potentially deterred networks that were concerned with reputational risks.
Elsewhere, viewing metrics suggest low viewership numbers with The CW may have impacted their attractiveness.
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These days, he assumes the position of content manager.
