LIV Golf, the new and increasingly prominent professional golf tour, has reached a multi-year agreement with FOX Sports to broadcast its 14-tournament global schedule. Starting in February, viewers across the United States will have access to live coverage of LIV Golf events on FOX and FS1, with select rounds airing on FS2, FOX Business Network, and the FOX Sports App.
This landmark deal marks a significant step for LIV Golf, which launched in 2022 and has steadily gained traction despite facing criticism for its financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Securing a broadcasting partnership with a major network like FOX Sports provides the tour with a significantly expanded reach and increased visibility.
Expanding Reach and Accessibility
The agreement will bring LIV Golf to a broader audience, with over 210 hours of live competition scheduled to air across FOX Sports platforms. All coverage will also be streamed on the FOX Sports App and made available to subscribers of the LIV Golf+ app.
“We are thrilled to partner with FOX Sports, one of the preeminent broadcast networks in the world,” said LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil. “This relationship signals the next phase of growth as our League joins the company of the nation’s premier sports leagues and conferences.”
Showcasing Star Power and Innovation
LIV Golf boasts a roster of some of the biggest names in golf, including major champions like Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, and Jon Rahm. The tour has also differentiated itself with a unique format featuring 54-hole tournaments, shotgun starts, and team competitions.
FOX Sports executives expressed excitement about showcasing these elements to viewers. “FOX Sports is excited to broadcast the LIV Golf League, showcasing athletes at the top of their game competing at an elite level for viewers across the nation,” said Jordan Bazant, Executive Vice President of FOX Sports.
A New Chapter for Golf Broadcasting
This partnership represents a notable development in the evolving landscape of professional golf. LIV Golf’s innovative format and emphasis on entertainment have challenged traditional golf broadcasting norms. The tour’s in-house production team will continue to deliver its distinctive style, featuring live leaderboards, enhanced drone coverage, statistics-driven graphics, and fast-paced action.
While the partnership between FOX Sports and LIV Golf may be viewed with mixed opinions due to the tour’s controversial origins, it undeniably marks a significant chapter in the sport’s broadcasting history. The deal promises increased exposure for LIV Golf and its players while offering viewers a new way to experience the game. The long-term impact of this partnership on the world of professional golf remains to be seen, but it is undoubtedly a development worth watching.