It’s been quite a week for the LIV Golf League, and the latest news to emerge from the Saudi-backed venture has left fans excited.
As the golfing world knows, LIV was available to watch for free on YouTube in 2024. And for avid users of the platform, it was ideal. With the likes of Rick Shiels, Peter Finch, Grant Horvat and the Bryan Bros dominating the platform, LIV tapped into an already huge audience last year.
Yet, for the league to grow and develop, broadcast deals with well-known channels were non-negotiable.
At the end of January, LIV signed an agreement with Fox Sports. The US broadcaster is believed to have paid a nominal fee to show the league.
Now, a similar agreement has been struck with UK channel, ITV.
LIV Golf strike a deal with ITV
The deal will see LIV Golf shown on free-to-air television in the United Kingdom and began during the second round of LIV Golf Riyadh on Friday.
The Open Championship was previously shown on BBC in the UK before Sky Sports obtained exclusivity for the year’s final major.
With world-class golf now available for the masses in the UK, there has been an overarching positive reaction from fans.
This fan wrote on X: “Great news! I’ve been watching on the app but this is excellent! Seeing Rahm, Bryson, Brooks and co in competitive golf for free is a huge win for UK golf fans.”
Another said: “Absolutely brilliant news. Amazing to finally have golf free to air on UK TV. Well done, everyone.”
While another added: “That’s fantastic news. Brilliant deal for UK golf fans.”
This fan wrote, “I’m no LIV fan, but I have to admit this is a potential game-changer.”
“This is actually huge for the growth of golf,” another said.
Finally, this fan remarked, “ITV is a prime, free public channel where huge numbers of viewers will be able to tune in.”
- READ MORE: LIV Golf take public dig at the PGA Tour after first round of their 2025 season concludes
Latest announcement caps great week for LIV Golf
The latest TV announcement caps what has been an excellent couple of weeks for LIV.
According to The Telegraph, new CEO Scott O’Neil has managed to broker a pathway for LIV Golf players to qualify for the Open Championship through their performance in the PIF-backed league. Before, LIV players had to go through Open qualifying, which can be a tough and unpredictable challenge.
Furthermore, just days before, the USGA confirmed that LIV players would receive an exemption to the US Open based on their league position.
The top player will earn an automatic spot at the US Open, and the top ten players will go straight into the final 36-hole qualifying.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
