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LIV Golf has signed a multi-year U.S. broadcast deal with Fox Sports, marking the first time the Saudi-backed league will be broadcast on mainstream sports television in the sport’s largest market.
While discussions between LIV and the established PGA Tour continue, the deal suggests the breakaway league is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
LIV has already aired on The CW, attracting small audiences on a channel little known for its sports coverage.
The new deal will see LIV tournaments on the main FOX channel as well as FS1, the company’s flagship sports channel.
Some events will also be broadcast on secondary channel FS2 as well as broadcast on the Fox Sports app.
“We are thrilled to partner with FOX Sports, one of the most important broadcast networks in the world,” said Scott O’Neil, new CEO of LIV Golf.
“LIV Golf is getting bigger and bolder, and this relationship marks the next phase of growth as our league joins the company of the nation’s premier sports leagues and conferences,” he added.
The PGA Tour, which lost several big stars to LIV Golf, has broadcast deals with CBS Sports and NBC Sports.
O’Neil believes LIV can attract a different audience than the traditional demographic.
“LIV Golf attracts a younger, more active and more tech-savvy fan base, and as our players and teams prepare for LIV Golf’s biggest season yet, this deal will take our broadcast to new heights ” he said.
The new LIV Golf season begins in Adelaide on February 14.
While LIV has an international schedule with events in Asia and Europe, which will bring golf to American audiences in different time zones, the American events could compete directly against the PGA Tour in the prime Sunday afternoon slot.
“FOX Sports is excited to broadcast the LIV Golf League, featuring athletes at the top of their game competing at an elite level for viewers across the country,” said Jordan Bazant, Executive Vice President of FOX Sports .
“The addition of LIV Golf is a natural fit with FOX Sports’ strong roster of big events, world-class names and premium sports coverage,” he added.
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