Disney’s ESPN Secures Broadcast Rights for Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TGL Golf League

Disney’s ESPN has secured the broadcast rights for the highly anticipated TGL golf league, led by golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. In partnership with the PGA Tour, TGL is set to make its debut on January 9, marking the beginning of a multi-year deal between the league and ESPN.

To build excitement for the inaugural matches, a preview show will be aired on Disney’s broadcast network ABC on December 30. The early games of the TGL season will be strategically scheduled near other major sports events and will be available for streaming on Disney’s ESPN+ platform. This move allows ESPN to expand its live sports rights offerings and cater to a wider audience.

The first match of the TGL season will air the night after the College Football Playoff’s title game, followed by the second match the evening after an NFL wild-card playoff game. Both matches will be broadcast on ESPN’s traditional TV channel and streamed on ESPN+. Subsequent matches will also be aired on ESPN’s TV networks and ESPN+.

The launch of TGL comes at a crucial time for professional golf, as the PGA Tour is currently navigating a proposed deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund-backed rival, LIV Golf. While the agreement between the PGA Tour and LIV is yet to be finalized, potential outside investors, including Endeavor Group Holdings and Fenway Sports Group, have expressed interest in the Tour.

TGL, a high-tech golf league created by Woods, McIlroy, and former NBC Sports executive Mike McCarley, has attracted top players from the PGA Tour. Alongside Woods and McIlroy, players such as Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, and many others have committed to participating. The PGA Tour itself is an investor in the new league, ensuring that the event timing will align with the players’ schedules.

Notably, billionaire Steve Cohen, owner of MLB’s New York Mets, has also invested in TGL. Cohen’s family office, Cohen Private Ventures, will manage the New York team in the league. The TGL matches will take place in a specially built arena in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, incorporating live action and the latest golf technology.

With ESPN as the official broadcaster, fans can look forward to an immersive and thrilling viewing experience as TGL revolutionizes the world of golf.