The Big Lead

Will a reported FOX deal spark interest in LIV Golf?

Sports Business Journal recently stated LIV Golf is nearing a broadcast deal with FOX in 2025, which would drastically increase the visibility of the tour compared to recent seasons.

By Matt Reed

Sep 22, 2024; Carrolton, Texas, USA; Cameron Smith captain of Ripper GC holds LIV Golf Team Championship Trophy as he celebrates with teammates Marc Leishman, Matt Jones, Lucas Herbert and caddies during the LIV Golf Dallas Team Championship Finals at Maridoe Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images
Sep 22, 2024; Carrolton, Texas, USA; Cameron Smith captain of Ripper GC holds LIV Golf Team Championship Trophy as he celebrates with teammates Marc Leishman, Matt Jones, Lucas Herbert and caddies during the LIV Golf Dallas Team Championship Finals at Maridoe Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images / Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images
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LIV Golf could have a new television home starting in 2025, and it's exactly what's needed for golf fans aiming to follow their favorite players. Sports Business Journal reports that LIV is on the brink of finalizing a broadcast deal with FOX Sports starting next year.

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This would be a massive upgrade for the tour compared to recent seasons where LIV was exclusively shown on The CW Network in the United States, which consistently drew low ratings throughout 2023 and 2024.

It's unclear if tournaments will be shown on the main FOX broadcast channel, FS1 or a combination of the two channels, but with the number of stars playing LIV this move would only allow for more fans to watch their favorite players on a regular basis.

With many non-PGA Tour players still not receiving exemptions into major PGA tournaments, access is extremely limited for fans. Only six current LIV players have full major access, including Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith.

While it's been some time since FOX has truly dabbled in the world of men's golf, the network does have a history of drawing interest in the sport. Back in 2019, the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach drew over 7.31 million viewers to the network.

For comparison, LIV on The CW Network routinely garnered under 300,000 viewers over the past two seasons, which marks one of the lowest sports broadcasting numbers across the major American sports.

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