The LIV Golf league has finally found a US broadcast home for the 2023 season and beyond after streaming solely on YouTube during its first year. LIV, the Saudi-backed PGA rival, announced on Thursday that its events will be broadcasted on The CW Network starting in Febuary. Commissioner Greg Norman said in a news release, “This is a momentous day for LIV Golf as this partnership is about more than just media rights. 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.” LIV Golf has faced backlash for its Saudi funding and comments Phil Mickelson made about the connection. The tour poached many of the world’s top golfers from the PGA Tour including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka.
Norman’s press release continued:
“We’re very proud to note how consequential it is that a league that has only existed for one year has secured a full broadcast deal in its debut full league season. The CW and its majority owner, Nexstar Media Group, recognize the enormous interest in and potential of our league and with their support, more fans will experience the energy and innovative competition that LIV Golf is using to reinvigorate the sport. The CW is a world-class media partner, and we are honored to be joining forces to further bring LIV Golf to life as they stake their claim in professional sports.”
CW Network president Dennis Miller had this to say, “For The CW, our partnership with LIV Golf marks a significant milestone in our goal to re-engineer the network with quality, diversified programming for our viewers, advertisers and CW affiliates. This also marks the first time in The CW’s 17-year history that the network is the exclusive broadcast home for live mainstream sports.”
The first event for LIV that will be live on the CW Network is set to take place from Feb. 24-26 at El Camaleón Golf Course in Mexico.
