sport news LIV Golf's ratings go from bad to worse: Controversial Saudi-backed tour draws ... trends now
LIV Golf is already losing its limited viewing audience in its first season on the CW Network.
The controversial Saudi-backed tour held its second event of the year in Tucson, Arizona last weekend, not that many seemed to notice. LIV drew only a 0.14 rating across 33 markets in the 18-49 demographic, according to Kevin Van Valkenburg of No Laying Up.
That is somehow worse than the tour's debut on the CW network, which drew a 0.2 rating in late February.
LIV Golf struck a multi-year deal with the CW Network in January after failing to come to terms with ESPN, Fox Sports or any other major sports broadcaster.
Previously, the controversial PGA rival had been limited to YouTube broadcasts.
Danny Lee of Iron Heads GC putts on the first playoff hole during Day Three of the LIV Golf Invitational - Tucson at The Gallery Golf Club on Sunday
The deal gives LIV Golf a chance to reach a wider audience, CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman said in January.
'[The agreement] will provide accessibility for our fans and maximum exposure for our athletes and partners,' Norman said in a statement.
'We're very proud to note how consequential it is that a league that has only existed for one year has secured a full broadcast deal in its debut full league season.'
LIV Golf is heavily funded by Saudi Arabia's sovereign-wealth fund, which has committed at least $2 billion to the circuit. But while the rebel tour has attracted media attention in the form of news articles, that publicity had yet to translate to any media rights or sponsorship deals.
There are some major names involved with LIV Golf, including major winners such as Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith and Bryson DeChambeau, have been lured to LIV Golf with lucrative signing bonuses reportedly worth as much as $100million to $200million. Phil Mickelson was paid a reported $200 million to defect to LIV Golf.
Critics say LIV Golf is simply 'sportswashing' Saudi Arabia's brutal human rights record.
Danny Lee won LIV Golf's second event of its second season in a dramatic playoff finale
January reports indicated that LIV came close to offering live
