LIV Golf’s legitimacy could depend on landing a TV deal – Sports Business Journal

Norman has had recent discussions with Basketball HOFer and TNT analyst Charles Barkley on commentating Getty Images

Until LIV Golf secures a “legitimate television contract,” it will “remain something of a phantom outlaw,” according to John Hawkins of MORNING READ. LIV CEO Greg Norman’s recent discussions with basketball HOFer and TNT analyst Charles Barkley “surely have a multiple purpose to them.” Barkley is “one of those guys everybody knows, most people like and few people take all that seriously,” but the network he works for, TNT, has “emerged as America’s home of giggle golf since salivating its way into hosting the Tiger Woods-Phil Mickelson match in November 2018.” Norman “needs a TV partner a lot more than TNT needs him.” On a number of fronts, the exposure factor makes television the “most important element in the entire LIV equation.” If the product is watchable, a “matter on which the jury is still deliberating,” viewer accessibility becomes an “invaluable promotional tool.” It also can “pack an immense punch in terms of revenue generation” (SI.com, 7/26).

A PLEA TO SIR CHARLES: The WALL STREET JOURNAL’s Jason Gay writes an open letter to Barkley amid his reported interest in joining LIV. Gay: “You’re the best at what you do. You really are. You’re the most likable, most effortlessly watchable personality on a sports broadcast in the U.S., and it isn’t really close. … Your competition, ESPN, has launched 17,000 pregame shows in the past 10 years, with talented people, and all of them can be described thusly: ‘Not ‘Inside the NBA.’’” Gay: “What you’ve built, no one’s built. It’s worth protecting and burnishing. … Please: Don’t leave us for golf, no matter the check. Even if Turner lets you do both, say thanks but no thanks” (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 7/27).

TRUMP FACTOR: In London, Tom Kershaw writes LIV’s “insurgence into golf has taken more than a few pages” from former President Donald Trump’s “playbook: divisive statements, direct antagonism and the cocksure gait of a man walking head-on into a war.” If it is not one that LIV is “already winning,” this week’s event at Trump National in Bedminster, N.J., will “only further heighten the sense of siege.” Norman and Trump are “old acquaintances and friends reunited in an unholy alliance,” although they have “collided in the past.” Twice Trump has “bought courses designed by Norman and implemented full-scale changes, much to the Australian’s frustration.” Wounds had “healed enough for Norman to publicly endorse Trump for the presidency” in 2016 and then “reaffirm his support after a tumultuous first 100 days in office.” Norman has become “noticeably more reticent in his role of LIV chief executive and cheerleader,” and will “benefit from taking a backseat to Trump’s vulgarity and bombast” (LONDON TIMES, 7/27). In London, Oliver Brown writes Norman is “so close to his host that, within days of Trump’s victory in 2016, he passed his number to Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull,” who became “one of the first world leaders to congratulate the president-elect.” The patronage of Trump, “sure to be front and centre for the third instalment” of the LIV series, “suits the Shark’s lust for making a splash” (London TELEGRAPH, 7/27).

STRONG STATEMENT: CNN BUSINESS’s Oliver Darcy noted the National Press Club “added its voice to the mix,” saying in a “no-holds-barred statement that it is ‘revolted’ by the forthcoming affair and hopes that it fails.” The National Press Club said, “We call on all Americans to see this unsavory attempt to minimize the grisly bone-saw attack on Washington Post opinion writer Jamal Khashoggi for what it is — an attempt to sweep under the rug a brutal state-sponsored murder.” The organization concluded its statement “discouraging PR firms from doing business with LIV Golf” (CNN.com, 7/26).

NOT JUST GOLF: In New Jersey, Mike Deak noted this week’s LIV event also will feature a “Fan Village with what LIV is calling ‘a food festival-style atmosphere.'” The Fan Village also will be LIV Golf’s Performance Center, featuring the “latest golf technology and golf simulator bays.” There will be the Metaverse, where fans can “experience virtual reality golf exhibits.” LIV Golf’s Eco Village will “offer a chance to relax in an eco-friendly setting where fans can refill water bottles at a hydro station, charge cellphones by pedaling a bike, watch a 3D printer create golf tees from recycled plastic” (Somerville COURIER NEWS, 7/25).