LIV Golf are said to be considering giving away the UK TV rights for the Saudi-backed series for free after failing to secure a broadcaster. LIV rocked the world of golf in 2022, after emerging as the PGA Tour's new-found rival.
With the backing of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment fund, the breakaway circuit lured in some of golf's biggest names for its maiden campaign. Despite making plenty of noise, the Saudi-backed circuit failed to secure a TV deal to cover their action.
And heading into their second campaign it seems LIV are still struggling to strike a deal and could therefore hand out the rights for free, according to the Daily Mail .
In 2022 UK golf fans were only able to watch the action via a free live stream on the breakaway circuit's YouTube channel, Facebook page and website. The report reveals LIV bosses held negotiations with the likes of Sky Sports, BT Sport and DAZN, however talks broke down before Christmas.
This has led to the Saudi-backed circuit looking to potentially opt to a radical alternative in not charging for their TV rights. Their setback with Sky Sports is not a surprising one, with the broadcaster already partnered with LIV's main rival the PGA Tour.
Sky recently signed a deal with the American-based tour to broadcast 36 live events as well as well as covering all of the four majors championships. They will also cover the upcoming Ryder Cup in Rome which takes place this September.
Both BT Sport and DAZN meanwhile were said to be unhappy with the price LIV had stamped on their coverage. Additionally two giants of the streaming world, Disney and Amazon have also reportedly decline to team up with the breakaway series.
Stateside, it was reported last year that American broadcaster Fox Sports had been offered the chance to broadcast LIV Golf events. Heading into their second season though, a deal is yet to materialise. LIV's 2023 campaign will kick off on February 24 in Mexico.
