• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 30, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Tiger Woods’ New TGL Could Be ‘Monday Night Football’ For Golf

  • TV networks are already eyeing potential media rights.
  • Virtual TGL plans 15 Monday Night matches starting in 2024.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Sports TV networks are already eyeing Tiger Woods’ and Rory McIlroy’s new tech-infused TGL golf league as the TV magnet that can finally draw young viewers to golf.

There’s an insatiable demand for live sports rights. Woods is the No. 1 TV draw in golf. The idea of showcasing him, McIlroy and other golf superstars on virtual courses, at intimate NBA-like arenas, is already inspiring TV executives. 

Throw in the primetime TV setting, and TGL’s 15 Monday night matches could do for the staid sport of golf what ABC’s “Monday Night Football” did for the NFL over 50 years ago. 

“As the saying goes, Tiger doesn’t move the TV needle. He is the needle,” said one TV executive. “The calls are already flying.”

Added LeslieAnne Wade of White Tee Partners Golf consultancy: “PGA Tour partners will definitely show interest in any event which boosts interest and adds value to the PGA Tour.”

But Woods, McIlroy and Mike McCarley’s new TMRW Sports Group might only consider select TV partners for the new league, which tees off in January, 2024. Here’s why:

  • Woods and McIlroy made it clear they’re launching TGL in partnership with the PGA Tour, which means it’s likely only the Tour’s current TV partners will get a shot at the 15 Monday Night events.
  • CBS Sports, NBC Sports, and ESPN currently split coverage of Tour events, while NBC’s Golf Channel provides day-to-day news and some event coverage.
  • McCarley is a former NBC executive and Golf Channel president. With TV legend Dick Ebersol (McCarley’s long-time mentor) investing in TMRW, NBC could be the favorite. 

TGL Spells Trouble for LIV Golf

The addition of TGL to the global golf industry spells trouble for Greg Norman’s Saudi-backed LIV Golf

Like LIV, TGL will offer fans a team golf format, composed of six teams of three PGA Tour players apiece.

Like LIV,  TGL events will be faster and shorter, lasting only two hours. Like LIV, TGL will be competing for a U.S. media rights deal and ad dollars from sponsors next year.

No matter how much money LIV throws around, the new virtual league has the most valuable commodity of all: Woods, the 15-time major winner, who draws casual sports viewers like no other golfer.

As McIlroy said in the understatement of the year: “Oh, and by the way, Tiger Woods is involved. Yeah, I think it’ll be pretty cool.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.

Cowboys’ Parsons Approach Shows High Cost of Delayed Contracts

Parsons will sign a four-year, $188 million deal with the Packers.

Parsons Trade Reinforces Packers As NFL TV Powerhouse

Betting odds surge for Green Bay after acquiring the star defensive end.

Cowboys Can’t Bank on Mavericks’ Lottery Luck After Parsons Trade

The Mavericks lucked into Cooper Flagg through the 2025 NBA draft lottery.

Featured Today

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
August 22, 2025

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.

NFL Preseason Sees 17% Jump in TV Ratings, Best Since 2018

Average audiences for the exhibition games increase sharply from last year.
ESPN
August 27, 2025

Disney Sues Sling TV Over $5 Day Passes Granting ESPN Access

Newly introduced short-term subscriptions spark a legal challenge.
Tom Brady
August 27, 2025

NFL Continues to Loosen Tom Brady Restrictions

Brady will be able to attend production meetings–remotely–this season.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
August 27, 2025

FCC Chair Joins Fox–YouTube TV Fight With Big Game on the Line

The Trump appointee is now involved in another media carriage fight.
Aug 24, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tommy Fleetwood holds the FedExCup Trophy on the 18th green after winning the TOUR Championship golf tournament.
August 26, 2025

PGA Tour TV Ratings: Fleetwood’s Breakthrough Caps Playoff Surge

Sunday’s final round drew nearly 4.5 million viewers on NBC.
August 26, 2025

NFL Sunday Ticket Debuts Monthly Plan—but at a Steep Cost

Previously, fans had to purchase the service for the entire season.
August 21, 2025

Fox Enters Streaming Wars With Leaner, Sports-Heavy Approach

A different strategy marks the arrival of the network’s streaming service.