Topline
The controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf is close to a deal to air its tournaments on the CW Network, Sports Illustrated and Front Office Sports reported Tuesday, potentially setting up a surprise partnership between the PGA Tour rival and a network best recognized for its teen dramas after months of high-profile, rocky negotiations failed to land LIV with an established sports network or streaming service.
LIV Golf has apparently finally landed its long awaited TV deal.
Key Facts
The multiyear agreement is expected to be announced soon, according to both outlets, with no details available on the financial terms at this time.
The reports follow recent remarks from LIV announcer David Feherty, shared Tuesday by the Palm Beach Post, indicating that LIV would soon make its deal with the CW public.
LIV declined to comment on the reports, while the CW did not immediately respond to Forbes’ inquiry.
Known for its original scripted shows including Riverdale and The Flash, the CW is the nation’s fifth-largest broadcast network, and it is in the midst of a rebrand to shore up its struggling ratings under its new 75% owner Nexstar Media Group.
Key Background
Bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, LIV teed off its debut season last June to great fanfare and criticism. The tournament poached numerous top names, including top players from the PGA Tour like PGA’s second-highest career earner Phil Mickelson and world No. 3 Cameron Smith, and cozied up to former President Donald Trump. LIV aired its 2022 events on its website and social media feeds and the U.K.-based network DAZN. LIV’s brash CEO Greg Norman claimed last fall that LIV was in the midst of an “enormous” bidding war between four unspecified networks. It’s unclear who Norman was referring to, considering CBS, NBC and ABC/Disney all have long-standing agreements with the PGA Tour and streamers Apple and Amazon reportedly never entered serious discussions with the league. CBS parent Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery each hold a 12.5% stake in the CW, while Nexstar controls the remaining 75%.
Crucial Quote
“The digital numbers that we’re seeing make us highly bullish on the ratings that we believe we will see on linear television when we find the appropriate partner,” LIV’s head of media Will Staeger told Forbes in September.
Further Reading
David Feherty says LIV Golf could soon announce deal with CW Network (Palm Beach Post)
Here’s Where LIV Golf’s TV Future Stands After Apple And Amazon’s Reported Rejection (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2023/01/17/liv-golf-reportedly-on-verge-of-finally-landing-tv-partner-the-cw/