After months of speculation, the LIV Golf Series has finally tied down a broadcasting network. The Nexstar-owned CW network, home to some of the most popular TV shows in America, will host the Saudi-backed golf series. The move ends LIV’s search for a screen partner after several rounds of negotiations with prospective suitors for large parts of its debut year.
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LIV Golf secures ties with CW
The move was a priority for the Greg Norman-led series, who was vehement in his opinions on finding a TV sponsor soon. The LIV Series endured its debut season without a broadcasting deal, which left itself with no choice but to stream it for free.
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But the deal with CW breaks new grounds for the rebel league. Under the fresh terms, the network will air 14 LIV Golf Series events in 2023, commencing with LIV Mexico in late February.
LIV Golf officially announces its TV deal with The CW network.
Friday rounds will be shown only on The CW app, with Saturday and Sunday broadcast on The CW channel and app.
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) January 19, 2023
Interestingly, there is a disparity in the coverage from CW themselves in accordance with their deal. While a typical LIV event starts on Friday and continues through the weekend, the coverage for Friday will only be available on the CW app. The weekend games will air live on both the app and the CW channel.
As expected fans, were quick to jump on the news bandwagon. While many lauded the league’s settlement for a TV deal, the choice left them confused. Here’s a selection of those tweets.
Are these guys aware most people don’t even know what the CW is, let alone they have an app?!?!? Is this supposed to move the needle? Give me more Buffy and Smallville!!!!
— Vince Tozzo (@vincetozzo) January 19, 2023
these clowns laughing at what channel it is on, it really doesn’t matter what the channel is, it’s now on a channel anyone can watch on a US tv, that is all they were looking for, those who are going to watch will watch no matter what chancel it’s on, espn,cnn,cw,doesn’t matter
— samuel knott (@samknotty) January 19, 2023
Norman says the interest for LIV television rights was intense and with six or seven different potential suitors. Settles on a timeshare with CW. Chess not checkers.
— Ron Lee (@ronlee1975) January 19, 2023
Will probably be ad-free since no advertisers want to be associated. Which of course means LIV must be paying CW
— bf (@_bfowler) January 19, 2023
😂😂😂😂 What a joke! Those dudes are all being paid, so they love that factor, but deep down inside you know they’re embarrassed as shit with news like this. Were probably told they’d sign a huge TV deal with a major network. Lol
— Porter Eugene (@fieldnstream37) January 19, 2023
There’s a CW app??
— Charlie (@charcoal1017) January 19, 2023
Perfect, CW as in Cant Watch
— Darren Painter (@DLP1968) January 19, 2023
Those ratings will be hysterical.
— Billy Boy (@BillBeans2) January 19, 2023
Is this good or bad you think
— mig_dig (@Mig_Dig) January 19, 2023
LIV to produce its own event coverage
Despite securing the deal with CW, the LIV Series will churn out its own content for the 2023 season. While live streaming of games is expected to be reduced, the cash-rich league will upload match highlights and off-field moments on its website and streaming services.
The LIV Golf Series already has a stellar cast of David Feherty and Jerry Foltz serving as analysts for its second season, alongside Arlo White, who will return as play-by-play host.
Reuters
Golf – The inaugural LIV Golf Invitational – Centurion Club, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Britain – June 9, 2022 Chief executive of LIV Golf Investments Greg Norman during the first round Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Undoubtedly relieved by the contract, LIV CEO, Greg Norman, was over the moon. “This is a momentous day for LIV Golf as this partnership is about more than just media rights,” he said after inking the deal, before showering appreciation on the CW Network.
“The CW recognizes 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,” Norman said.
Will the broadcasting deal work wonders for the LIV Series? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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Manaal Siddiqui