Here’s Where LIV Golf’s TV Future Stands After Apple And Amazon’s Reported Rejection

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Amazon and Apple turned away LIV Golf when it tried to get them to carry its tournaments.

According to the Journal, sources familiar with the matter said that the discussions with both Amazon and Apple never reached a serious stage.

The tour has received offers and is in talks with four networks, according to Greg Norman, the CEO of LIV.

With Apple and Amazon out of the picture, Fox is the only major American network that is still in the running.

Fox Sports decided not to air the U.S. Open in 2020 and even fired Norman in 2016 after one season as a broadcast team.

The New York Times reported earlier this year that LIV was considering buying broadcast time on a network or going directly to a regional station in order to expand its reach.

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LIV, Apple and Amazon did not reply to Forbes. A source told Daniel Rapaport that Apple didn't want to pursue LIV's rights because it was "too toxic." The Saudi Arabian wealth fund has been accused of being a public relations vehicle to "sports wash" the Saudi government's history of human rights violations. Many of the top players have left the PGA Tour due to massive contracts. The tour has ambitions to turn a profit, and the long-term business model will be based on broadcast revenue and sponsorship revenue, according to the president and COO of the tour. A nine-figure annual rights deal is likely for the tour because of the commitment from top players and fan interest.

Tangent

Thursday's game between the Kansas Chiefs and Los Angeles Clippers will be the first game to be exclusively aired on Amazon Prime, kicking off Amazon's 11-year, $13 billion deal with the league to stream 15 Thursday night games per season. Apple signed deals worth about $3 billion to air MLB and MLS games.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple and Amazon had passed on golf media rights to another company.

Donald Trump is in the business of the new Saudi golf league.

The future of LIV Golf on U.S. TV is uncertain.