Amazon and Apple have both passed on the media rights to the LIV Golf tournament, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The lack of interest in the circuit adds to a growing list of networks that LIV has not been able to strike a deal with, including Walt Disney, ESPN, Comcast and NBC, the report added.
LIV Golf hasn’t had a problem recruiting players. The newly formed golf league has cut deals with some of the world’s most famous golfers. LIV Golf is not having the same luck in finding a major U.S. media partner to broadcast its tournaments. LIV approached Amazon and Apple about potentially streaming its events on their platforms, but the tech giants reportedly had no interest.
LIV Golf is in an uphill battle with the established PGA Tour. CBS, NBC and ESPN have deals with the PGA Tour, which is in an increasingly contentious feud with LIV. LIV has deals to air its upcoming events overseas but no deals with a major outlet in the U.S. have transpired.
The tour is financed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign-wealth fund and has been controversial because of the kingdom’s past abuses of human rights. LIV announced $2 billion in investments for the league’s future including a record-breaking $25 million prize funds at the events offering more than what has been offered by the PGA Tour.
