"That creates uncertainty" - Greg Norman blames ominous 'headwinds' for LIV Golf failure
One thing Greg Norman has tried to do with LIV Golf is secure a high-profile TV deal. He has been unable to do so, and the CW has been one of the primary ways for fans to watch the tour. Now, after a big revelation about his future with the tour, he's being candid about where things have gone wrong.
Via Golf.com, the LIV CEO said:
“Where we’re falling short is due to the headwinds in not getting a network [TV] deal. That creates uncertainty in the marketplace. [A lot of companies say] let’s see what happens. That rolls into sponsorship. We have an enormous number of big corporations who are talking to us and would be very keen to come on.”
Norman isn't sure what's going to happen after the tour's current TV deal expires. He added:
“Whether it happens or it doesn’t is going to set the marketplace at ease. When we know what we’ll do and the marketplace will know how to navigate the situation. But the headwinds continue from a scheduling and venue perspective as well.”
But whatever happens with the tour and the television broadcasting, Norman is optimistic. The CEO whose contract ends in 2025 says they've been true to themselves throughout and that he's taken the high road in everything.
He concluded:
"We knew what we had and what we are doing is right. Time and patience is our greatest ally … 36 tournaments (in three years) is nothing. The PGA Tour has been around for 56. And we’ve done it in three years. That’s why I’m an optimist looking into the future and where we will be in 10 years.”
Whether or not that future includes a big TV deal remains to be seen.
Greg Norman confirms pending contract expiration
Greg Norman has been the only CEO of LIV Golf since its formation in 2021 and its arrival on the golf scene not long after. He has guided them through everything so far, but that may not be the case forever.
Greg Norman was asked in an interview with Sports Illustrated about the reports that LIV was looking to replace him as CEO. He said:
“I’ll answer it this way: My contract is through August of 2025. My commitment to LIV has been unquestioned and my commitment into the future is also unquestioned. Time will tell. Will there be a change in my role? My position and my role is to deliver 2025 and get our schedule done and all the things we need to do.”
It looks as if he signed an initial four-year contract and when it expires, he's not totally sure what he will be doing or if he will be involved in the tour.