ESPN has signed on to the U.S. broadcast rights for TGL, a new primetime golf league created by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
The story is that TGL fuses technology and live action in a two-hour match format and features 18 PGA Tour players split into six teams.
ABC will broadcast a preview show on Dec. 30, while the inaugural match will air on ESPN network and ESPN+ streaming service during prime time on Jan. 9.
That’s the night following the College Football Playoff National Championship, so expect a heavy dose of TGL and Tiger all through the game.
The ESPN deal comes on the heels of news that TMRW Sports (led by Woods and McIlroy) has signed a multi-year, wide-ranging commercial partnership with SoFi Technologies, Inc., the digital personal finance company, whereby SoFi will become presenting sponsor of TGL.
Additionally, the league’s purpose-built arena in Palm Beach Gardens, FL., on the campus of Palm Beach State College, will be named the SoFiCenter
“At SoFi, we’re on a mission to help people achieve financial independence to realize their ambitions,” said Anthony Noto, CEO of SoFi. “To achieve our goal of becoming a top ten financial institution, it’s critical that we build brand awareness and trust with consumers to become a household name. Investing in sports has proven unequivocally valuable time and time again in helping us unlock this goal.
“From our very first conversation, there’s been a natural alignment between TGL’s tech-forward approach with SoFi’s approach as an unconventional financial services solution. We’re thrilled to be partnering to bring SoFi Center and TGL to life.”
SoFi Center is a nearly 250,000 square foot custom-built venue that will accommodate approximately 2,000 people on almost 11 acres within the Palm Beach Gardens Campus of Palm Beach State College. The air-supported dome will reach a height of 75 feet, covering TGL’s near football field size playing surface of 97 by 50 yards; a 46 by 64 foot screen, nearly 20 times larger than a standard simulator screen; and a 40-yard-wide short game complex featuring three dynamic putting surfaces within the 3,800 square foot putting surface; and three sand bunkers. Outside the venue will be two plazas to host pre-match activities and the entire facility is ADA accessible.
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