Ever since its incorporation in 2021, LIV Golf has been walking on coal. It has not been a straightforward path for the Saudi-backed league. They have faced opposition and resistance on every front. As per recent news, they face yet another obstacle with securing TV rights that may see their billion-dollar investment turn futile.
LIV bosses are in a race against time to secure a TV deal in the UK…https://t.co/ubfgv6bIQF
— Golf Monthly (@GolfMonthly) January 7, 2023
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The new series saw its inaugural season end in October last year. The officials considered it to be a success, despite not having a broadcasting partner. LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman was certain that they would be able to secure a deal with a broadcasting network ahead of the 2023 season, but the chances now seem bleaker than ever.
LIV Golf contemplates giving away live TV rights for free
As per a recent report in the Daily Mail, the Saudi-backed league has failed to partner up with a broadcasting channel in the UK. This leaves the executives with barely enough time to find a solution since the 2023 season begins in February.
Read More: Greg Norman’s LIV Golf Faces Massive Setback at the Hands of $2 Trillion American Giant
Further, the officials are also considering the option of once again giving away LIV TV rights for free. For the 2022 season, all eight LIV Golf events could be live-streamed on the LIV Golf website, YouTube, and Facebook. Giving away the rights for free in the UK could, conversely, also add to LIV’s problems.
The Saudi-backed league has already spent upwards of a billion dollars to set up the series. If the series is forced to broadcast for free again this season, their chances of turning a profit would take a huge blow.
LIV is being turned down, left, right, and center by broadcasters
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As per Golf Monthly Last November, in an online conference, Norman said, “We’re in those discussions right now with a handful of broadcasters.” But those discussions seemed to have gone nowhere. The series has since been turned down by major broadcasting networks like Sky Sports, BT Sport, and Dazn.
Norman had said, “We anticipate them having a broadcast company before we start the 2023 season.” But as the days pass, things don’t seem too bright for the new series. The rumored partnership between LIV and Fox Sports did not see any fruitful results either. Furthermore, streaming giants like Amazon and Disney have turned down the Saudi-backed league.
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Watch This Story – Tiger Woods extends his beef with LIV Golf Chief Greg Norman
Do you think LIV will be able to turn the scenario around in the next few weeks? Or will the new season that begins on February 24 see free streaming in the UK? Tune in to find out.