LIV Golf has added its first official sponsor ahead of this week’s season-opening event.
The Saudi-backed circuit announced that EasyPost, a logistical and commerce company, will be the league’s global partner. EasyPost already had a presence in LIV Golf, as the entity is a sponsor of Patrick Reed.
“We are thrilled to sponsor LIV Golf in 2023,” said Sam Hancock, vice-president of growth at EasyPost. “Their innovative approach to golf will bring the sport to a broader range of spectators, and that’s something we are excited to get behind. We share the same mission, to modernise and innovate in our respective fields.”
It is unclear if other sponsors have signed on for LIV’s second season. LIV Golf lacked any formal sponsorship during its inaugural year, while spending $US784 million to launch the circuit.
Officials have touted the franchise component of the endeavour as a primary facilitator for future sponsorships and revenue. Twelve teams are competing in a 14-event schedule, and the captains – which include Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and our own Cam Smith – have as much as a 25-percent equity stake in their teams. Each team covers their own operating costs, using sponsorships, team prizemoney and merchandise to do so.
LIV Golf has secured a broadcast deal (within the United States) with the CW Network, although the CW is not paying any rights fees to LIV. Instead the two entities will do a revenue split on advertising, sources tell Golf Digest. Only Saturday and Sunday rounds will be broadcast on linear television, and those events outside the United States will air on tape delay.
