Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s new golf league, TGL, has secured a significant UK TV deal, something that LIV Golf has been unable to achieve in its first three seasons. TGL has unveiled an exclusive two-year broadcast rights agreement with Sky Sports, promising live TV coverage of every match when the league kicks off next month.

The backing of a major broadcaster like Sky is a massive win for the tech-driven TGL, which aims to attract new viewers with its TV-friendly matches. On the other hand, LIV Golf, funded by Saudi Arabia, has not managed to secure a UK broadcast deal in any of its three seasons since its 2022 launch.

The breakaway circuit has resorted to streaming its events live on its app and YouTube, resulting in relatively disappointing viewing figures given the hundreds of millions of pounds invested in assembling its star-studded lineup. LIV has also struggled to find a broadcast partner in the United States, with its events airing on The CW instead of a major sports network, although the league is reportedly in talks with FOX.

Despite the surge in streaming in recent years, the marketing clout of a traditional TV behemoth like Sky remains a significant advantage when promoting sports events, offering prime advertising spots during Premier League football coverage. Sky Sports News continues to be an invaluable resource, providing access to fans of various sports.

TGL is set to launch on January 8, with Xander Schauffele’s New York Golf Club going head-to-head with Shane Lowry’s The Bay Golf Club at the custom-built 1,500-capacity SoFi Center arena in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The six-team league boasts 24 of the PGA Tour’s top stars, including Woods and McIlroy.

Players will take their longer shots into a massive simulator screen before focusing on the “GreenZone”, a dynamic short-game area featuring three bunkers and a rotating green. Sky Sports’ director of golf Jason Wessely expressed his excitement about the new format, saying: “TGL is such an exciting and innovative new format that both existing and new golf fans can enjoy, and we’re delighted to be part of the TGL journey from the start, bringing fans even closer to some of the greatest golf stars,” He added: “We’re looking forward to working with TGL to make the tournament a truly entertaining viewing experience and are delighted to welcome TGL to Sky Sports, the home of golf.”

TGL's matches will be played at SoFi Center in Florida

TGL’s matches will be played at SoFi Center in Florida ( 

Image:

TGL)

TGL CEO Mike McCarley also chimed in, stating: “As the media home of golf in the UK and Ireland, Sky Sports is the ideal home for TGL to reach fans who are accustomed to turning to Sky to find the best golfers in the world on Sky Sports platforms across Europe.! With five TGL golfers across four teams from the UK and Ireland, golf fans will have local players to watch and new teams to follow in this fast-paced version of golf that is rooted in the traditions the game.”

He continued: “As the media home of golf in the UK and Ireland, Sky Sports is the ideal home for TGL to reach fans who are accustomed to turning to Sky to find the best golfers in the world on Sky Sports platforms across Europe.! With five TGL golfers across four teams from the UK and Ireland, golf fans will have local players to watch and new teams to follow in this fast-paced version of golf that is rooted in the traditions the game.”