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LIV Golf can say that they gained its first victory in 2023 when the Saudi-backed professional golf tour announced their multi-year media agreement with a United States television. On Tuesday (19/1/2023), LIV Golf signed their first national broadcasting deal in the US with The CW Television Network.
The deal will ensure that the second season of LIV Golf can reach more US fans.
That means a lot for LIV Golf as their first season in 2022 could only be seen in US by streaming on YouTube, Facebook, or their website.
That’s not good enough for LIV Golf as most sports including golf are still watched in traditional way. With this deal with The CW Network, LIV Golf found a broadcast network partner with the ability to reach approximately 120 million viewers. LIV Golf already signed broadcast deals with DAZN, Servus TV (Germany and Austria), Eleven Sports (Italy), Claro Sports (Latin America), and CHCH-TV (Canada) last year.
But the agreement with The CW Network significantly different than the others.
“It’s important for LIV to bring its product and innovative coverage to as many viewers as we can,” said Will Staeger, chief media officer for LIV Golf. “As a start-up league, broad viewership is a linchpin. With the CW we will have a committed partner that will help us reach that goal.”
“This is a momentous day for LIV Golf as this partnership is about more than just media rights,” add CEO of LIV Golf, Greg Norman. “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.”
More importantly, The CW agreement can be considered as another step forward for LIV Golf in their quest to rival The PGA Tour.
In their debut season, LIV Golf already “hijacked” many top players that previously compete in The PGA Tour. The roster continues to grow as Norman said in November that LIV Golf is targeting at least seven new top-20 signings for 2023 season.
In July 2022, LIV also applied to be included in the Official World Golf Ranking. With points for the official ranking, LIV would become more appealing for players and fans.
And now, The CW Network broadcast agreement would ensure that LIV reaches more people, making its second season more attractive.
The second season of LIV Golf is set to start on Februari 24-26 with Tournament Mayakoba in Mexico. Now called The 2023 LIV Golf League, the season consists of fourteen 54-hole tournaments, featuring 48 players and no cut, and a team championship event at the season end.
Twelve teams and forty-eight individuals will compete for a total of $405 million in prize money.
The 2023 LIV Golf League schedule:
Februari 24-26: LIV Golf Mayakoba at El Camaleon Golf Course, Mexico
March 17-19: LIV Golf Tucson at The Gallery Golf Club, United States
April 21-23: LIV Golf Adelaide at The Grange Golf Club, Australia
April 28-30: LIV Golf Singapore at Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore
May 12-14: LIV Golf Tulsa at Cedar Ridge Country Club, United States
June 30-July 2: LIV Golf Valderrame at Real Club Valderrama, Spain
August 4-6: LIV Golf Greenbrier at The Old White Golf Course, United States
