Desperate LIV could offer live rights to TV networks for free

LIV GOLF are considering offering live TV rights to UK channels for free amid their desperation to find a traditional broadcast partner. Negotiations with companies including Sky Sports, BT Sport and DAZN before Christmas failed to yield an agreement, leading LIV to consider radical alternatives ahead of the Saudi Arabia-funded rebel tour’s second season. The inaugural LIV Series last year was only available to UK viewers via streams on Facebook, YouTube and its own website after organisers failed to reach an agreement with broadcasters, although DAZN did buy the rights in markets including Germany, Italy, Spain and Japan. LIV are understood to have made a renewed push to sell the rights for its 14 events this year over the last few months without success. Sky Sports’ reluctance is largely based on their close alignment with the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour, with whom they signed a new deal to show 36 live events on top of the four majors and Ryder Cup last year, while BT Sport and DAZN were unhappy with the price. Amazon and Disney have also declined to make an offer for the UK rights. LIV’s willingness to consider giving their rights away would not be unprecedented, although it would be a blow to the prestige of a project that has already cost Saudi’s Public Investment Fund more than £1billion. Sky Sports have previously accepted the rights to show short-form cricket events due to tournament organisers wanting greater exposure. Golfweek magazine reported last year that LIV had held talks with American network Fox Sports about buying airtime to ensure more US coverage, although that deal has yet to materialise. But there is no suggestion UK broadcasters have been offered similar financial incentives.