Sony Pictures Networks India and LIV Golf Announce Broadcast Partnership for 2026 Season
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has entered into a new broadcast partnership with LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed professional golf tour, to air the 2026 season across its sports channels. The deal, announced on Tuesday, will provide Indian golf fans with exclusive live coverage of all LIV Golf events, including team and individual competitions.
Key Details of the Partnership
The multi-year agreement grants SPN the rights to broadcast LIV Golf tournaments in India, starting from the 2026 season. This includes coverage of the league's innovative format, which features 54-hole events with no cuts, shotgun starts, and a team-based competition alongside individual play. The partnership aims to expand the reach of LIV Golf in one of the world's fastest-growing sports markets.
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer at SPN, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to bring LIV Golf to Indian audiences. This partnership aligns with our commitment to offering diverse and high-quality sports content to viewers." LIV Golf's CEO, Greg Norman, also welcomed the deal, noting, "India is a key market for us, and this partnership will help grow the game of golf among Indian fans."
Impact on Indian Golf Viewership
The broadcast will be available on SPN's flagship sports channels, including Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 2, and Sony Six, as well as on its digital platform, Sony LIV. This move is expected to boost golf viewership in India, where the sport has a growing fan base, particularly among younger audiences. LIV Golf's unique format, with its fast-paced action and star-studded player roster, is likely to attract new fans to the sport.
LIV Golf's Expansion in Asia
LIV Golf has been actively expanding its presence in Asia, with events already held in Thailand, Singapore, and South Korea. The partnership with SPN underscores the league's strategy to tap into emerging markets. The 2026 season will feature a global schedule, including stops in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
This deal comes amid ongoing tensions between LIV Golf and traditional golf tours like the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. However, LIV Golf continues to attract top players with its lucrative contracts and innovative format. The partnership with SPN is a significant step for the league in establishing a foothold in India, a country with a population of over 1.4 billion and a rising interest in golf.
Conclusion
The Sony-LIV Golf partnership marks a major milestone for golf broadcasting in India. With exclusive coverage of the 2026 season, Indian fans can look forward to witnessing world-class golf action featuring some of the biggest names in the sport. The deal also highlights the growing influence of LIV Golf in the global sports media landscape.
