LIV Golf and FOX Sports have entered into a multi-year media rights partnership to broadcast LIV Golf tournaments across the US.

Starting in February, the deal ensures all three days of LIV Golf events will be aired on FOX networks, with over half the season’s schedule featured on FOX or FS1.

Additional rounds will be shown on FS2, FOX Business Network, and the FOX Sports App. Altogether, nearly 210 hours of competition will be broadcast live on FOX Sports platforms and the LIV Golf+ app.

Scott O’Neil, CEO of LIV Golf, commented:  “We are thrilled to partner with FOX Sports, one of the preeminent broadcast networks in the world. 

“LIV Golf is getting bigger and bolder, and this relationship signals the next phase of growth as our League joins the company of the nation’s premier sports leagues and conferences. I want to thank the FOX Sports team who share our vision for the future of golf, a new model that is redefining how the sport is experienced. 

“LIV Golf is drawing a younger, more active and tech-savvy fan base, and as our players and teams prepare for LIV Golf’s biggest season yet, this agreement will take our broadcast to new heights.”

The broadcasts will retain LIV Golf’s unique production style, including an in-house team, advanced drone footage, statistics-focused graphics, and fast-paced coverage to deliver almost double the number of shots per hour compared to traditional golf broadcasts. 

The on-air team, led by Arlo White with analysts David Feherty and Jerry Foltz, will return, along with on-course reporters Dom Boulet and Su-Ann Heng.

Jordan Bazant, Executive VP of FOX Sports, stated: “FOX Sports is excited to broadcast the LIV Golf League, showcasing athletes at the top of their game competing at an elite level for viewers across the nation. The addition of LIV Golf is a natural fit for FOX Sports’ prominent slate of big events, world-class names and premium sports coverage.”

According to O’Neil, LIV Golf is positioning itself as a “new model of golf,” a vision that raises questions about the future of the LIV Golf-PGA Tour merger. 

While reports indicate that discussions between the two entities are still in progress, the FOX deal demonstrates that the Saudi-backed league is backing itself independently.

Golfer Jon Rahm made headlines in 2023 when he announced his departure from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf, a move that marked a significant power shift between the two competing leagues.

Rahm expressed the significance of this deal, saying: “This partnership is a huge step forward for LIV Golf and our fans as it will help bring our tournaments to a broader audience. FOX Sports has a reputation for delivering world-class sports coverage and I’m confident they will elevate the experience for everyone watching.

“I believe FOX Sports shares our commitment to pushing boundaries and innovating, and I can’t wait to see how this collaboration connects more fans to our sport.”

An O’Neil era

This agreement is the first major move under the leadership of O’Neil, who assumed the role of CEO on 15 January. With over 25 years of experience in managing sports and entertainment brands, O’Neil brings a wealth of expertise to LIV Golf.

Previously, he served as CEO of Merlin Entertainments, where he managed global operations and growth for over 140 attractions across 23 countries. Before that, he led Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), overseeing over $2bn in enterprise value growth by driving innovation.

O’Neil succeeds Greg Norman, who spearheaded the launch of LIV Golf as its first CEO and Commissioner. Norman will step back from day-to-day management but will continue to play an active role in the organisation.

Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Chair of the Board at LIV Golf, added: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we welcome Scott to the LIV Golf family, knowing he will capitalise on everything that has been accomplished over the past three years. 

“Scott has the passion, the tenacity, and the vision to continue leveraging LIV Golf’s position as a pre-eminent, global sports and entertainment company and to lead our amazing teams and players for years to come.

“When we launched LIV Golf, there was no one that made more sense to lead the organisation other than Greg Norman. I thank him for everything he has done to establish, launch and grow our league. He has been instrumental to LIV’s success.”

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