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The controversial LIV Golf upstart is generating “enormous” interest from potential U.S. broadcasters, according to its CEO Greg Norman.
“We’re talking to four different networks and live conversations where offers are being put on the table, ” Norman said. One source told Front Office Sports there may be at least to six legitimate bidders for LIV’s U.S. media rights — and the leading contender is FOX.
LIV — which currently airs its events on YouTube — has had lukewarm viewership results.
- The new league saw Round 1 of its inaugural tournament in June average 94,000 viewers.
- The second round averaged 54,000 viewers, according to Apex Marketing.
Norman has vowed that LIV has an opportunity to do business with a major U.S. broadcaster, but Amazon and Apple have reportedly passed on a streaming rights deal.
So far, LIV has also been unable to secure deals with ESPN, CBS, and NBC. One reason is because its rival — the PGA Tour — currently deals with all three networks.
Here to Compete
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, LIV has shelled out millions of dollars to compete with the PGA Tour. The upstart will make history in October with a $50 million purse for its season-ending team championship at Trump National Doral Golf Club — the richest purse in golf history.
LIV, which has lured some of the top golfers from the PGA Tour, will continue to ramp up its competition with the organization, and is no longer interested in negotiating with the Tour.
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