The 2025 schedule is an exciting one for LIV Golf. Ever since Scott O’Neil took up the mantle of CEO, there has been great news incoming for the league. First, the confirmation of the TV broadcaster deal with Fox Sports. The deal was a great shock for the PGA Tour as it’s struggling with dropping viewership. Shortly after, the U.S. Open exemptions made it to the headlines.

The USGA has announced a special exemption for the top players of LIV Golf to get an exemption for the U.S. Open. Additionally, just a few hours ago, the R&A announced that it has offered an exemption for LIV golfers into The Open Championship as well. Now with such big changes, things seem to be falling into place for the PIF League. However, recently it just got way better. 

Just days after the news of the exemption, another deal confirmation for the league was announced. The Saudi-backed league which earlier struggled to reach the masses has finally reached a new success. LIV has secured a free-to-air television deal with ITV. 

“This is an exciting time for LIV Golf as we look ahead to the innovative 2025 season,” said Niall Sloane, director of ITV Sport. “This partnership delivers free-to-air coverage for fans and we are delighted to welcome LIV Golf to ITV Sport.”

The broadcaster will screen 41 rounds from 41 tournaments of the league with ITVX as the primary platform. While selected, live broadcast will be available on ITV1 and ITV4. Additionally, the highlights will air on ITV4. 

Sharing the news, Ron Wechsler Senior Vice President of Broadcast Partnerships and Programming Strategy of LIV Golf, said, “Our partnership with ITV represents a major milestone as we strive to bring LIV Golf to every corner of the world. With a premier sports broadcaster like ITV, we can ensure that more fans than ever will be able to access the excitement of the LIV Golf experience and connect with the world-class players, teams, and stories that make us a truly standalone global sports league.”

After Scott O’Neil took up the mantle of CEO replacing Greg Norman, many decisions have already taken place. Now it seems the merger is close with the few recent signs. 

Can the merger deal become a reality?

While there has been a great movement for the Saudi-backed league. The chances of getting the merger done are also highly anticipated. The exemption from the USGA and R&A are a good lead to follow. Adding on to it, President Trump, who campaigned with offering a solution to the merger, is also in action with it.

As per the report by BBC, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, player director Adam Scott, and Donald Trump met to seek help with talks for a merger. Further, the statement from the commissioner and player director stated, “We asked the President to get involved for the good of the game, the good of the country, and for all the countries involved.”

Even the positive statements hint at a deal closure soon. As they further shared, “We are grateful that his leadership has brought us closer to a final deal, paving the way for reunification of men’s professional golf.”

Now with the new CEO in action and taking some great steps towards the development. Can the long-delayed merger deal end soon? What are your thoughts on it? Share with us in the comments section below.