In a significant boost for its UK presence, the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league has secured a major new broadcast partnership. The controversial tour has agreed a multi-year deal with TNT Sports to show its events across the UK and Ireland, starting with the upcoming 2026 season.
A Historic Deal for UK Golf Coverage
This agreement marks a substantial upgrade from the league's previous low-key coverage on the ITV X streaming platform. TNT Sports, which is owned by the BT Group and US media giant Warner Bros., has committed to providing extensive coverage of all 14 events in the 2026 season. The broadcaster promises on-site presentation and comprehensive programming, aiming to bring fans closer to the action.
Orjan Olsson, Senior Vice-President of International Media Rights at LIV Golf, hailed the partnership as a historic moment for the league. He stated the deal cements LIV's footprint in a key global sports territory and aligns with TNT Sports' reputation for delivering sport with intensity and scale. The goal is to set a new benchmark for how golf is presented and enjoyed by millions of fans.
The 2026 Season and Ongoing Challenges
The new season is set to commence on February 4 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It will feature a revised format, with events now played over the traditional 72 holes. Stars like Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia, and Tyrrell Hatton are expected to headline the field.
However, the deal comes at a critical time for LIV Golf. The league recently lost five-time Major winner Brooks Koepka, who announced before Christmas he would not honour the final year of his contract. This departure has prompted questions about the league's future, notably from Rory McIlroy, who publicly doubted its longevity given the significant financial investment—reportedly around $5 billion from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
McIlroy suggested on The Overlap podcast that if LIV fails to capture the public's imagination and does not become profitable, its backers may not sustain it indefinitely. The pressure is now on to retain other big names like DeChambeau.
League Evolution and Future Prospects
Under new chief executive Scott O'Neil, who replaced Greg Norman last year, LIV Golf is determined to become a profit-making enterprise. The league has expanded to 72 holes and 57 players for this season, featuring 13 teams and five wildcard spots. Three of these wildcards will be decided at the LIV Golf Promotions event in Florida, where former Ryder Cup players are competing.
Despite this new UK media rights deal, no permanent peace agreement has been struck with the established PGA Tour. The breakaway league continues to carve its own path, with this TNT Sports partnership representing a crucial step in gaining mainstream visibility and legitimacy in the important UK and Irish golf market.
