Jay Monahan Signs With $4.3B Partner In Middle East, But It’s Not LIV; Greg Norman & Co. Still Left In the Dark

It has been a year since the seismic PGA Tour and PIF merger was announced by Jay Monahan and Yasir Al-Rumayyan. Since then, the $3 billion deal between the two organizations has been only in talks rather than being finalized. The deal was supposed to be finished by the end of 2023; however, it has been predicted to take at least til 2026 for the needle to move.

In the midst of a delay that has left the golf world bifurcated, the PGA Tour signed a huge deal for Middle Eastern fans. But it is unfortunately not a deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. However, a $4.3 billion partner has shaken hands with the Jay Monahan-led PGA Tour to maximize the fans’ experience in the MENA region.

PGA Tour signs ground-breaking deal for MENA fans

For fans in the United States, the PGA Tour events can be watched through many channels, either through television or on streaming platforms like ESPN+. But fans in the Middle East and North Africa can now avail themselves of the same experience. PGA Tour and DAZN, a $4.3 billion organization, will be featuring the PGA Tour events, starting from the Memorial Tournament this week.

Just like ESPN+, on DAZN fans can watch the main feed directly from the course, marquee groups, featured groups, and holes through PGA Tour Pass available on DAZN. The pass will also avail coverage of PGA Tour recap, highlight shows, premium content, and event official films. For MENA fans, the PGA Tour can be exclusively watched through a subscription. There are three kinds of Pass: 1 month – AED 39.99 ($8.89), 12-month installment – AED 29.99 p/m ($8.16), and Annual upfront – AED 329.99 ($89.84), a similar price point as ESPN+.

The unexpected PGA Tour and DAZN partnership will ensure that the Tour grows outside the bounds of the States and that the international fan base grows too. In recent days, this has been the second huge deal cracked by the PGA Tour, as the sponsors of the Tour question the future of golf as the merger has been delayed. The Royal Bank of Canada had hinted at leaving the PGA Tour while the league’s longtime partner, Wells Fargo, has already ended the partnership. But fret not, PGA Tour has recently signed a new partner!

Jay Monahan led PGA Tour shakes hands with $500 million giants

In the 2024 season, the PGA Tour had only one event that did not have any sponsors behind it. It was the infamously known Barbasol Championship, which stood without a doubt. However, Jay Monaha’s worries were kept at bay when the PGA Tour signed a deal with ISCO Industries Inc. The $500 million giant company will be taking an undisclosed but long-term status for the event, which now has been renamed to ISCO Championship.

It has been scheduled to precede the Open Championship and will be held between June 11th and 14th. With this, the PGA Tour has been set for success. However, losing Wells Fargo might still sting Jay Monahan, as it has been one of the signature events in the league. The PGA Tour has explained that they are actively looking for different sponsors. And soon, the Wells Fargo Championship will be replaced by another giant from the industry.

What’s your take on this latest deal? Share your thoughts in the comments below.