GOLFTV Adds European Tour Rights

Discovery has reached a new agreement to expand GOLFTV content with coverage of European Tour events, including the Ryder Cup.

Starting in January, the golf OTT platform will broadcast more than 40 European Tour events per year – including Race to Dubai, Rolex Series and World Golf Championships – as well as the next two Ryder Cups in selected territories.

Discovery will have the ability to sub-license TV and digital coverage in the markets for which it holds exclusive rights, as part of a broader strategy to grow viewership of the European Tour.

The broadcaster will also work to grow the Tour’s digital platforms, by showcasing their innovative content worldwide.

European Tour CEO Keith Pelley said: “Discovery has a very a strong vision for GOLFTV as a multi-platform destination for golf and we are delighted to be combining our global reach in 2019.”

“Our partnership with Discovery, combined with our other broadcast deals, means that every fan in every territory will now be able to watch the European Tour. This new partnership is therefore an exciting move for us, allowing us to showcase the stars of the European Tour and our innovative content to a new audience.”

Alex Kaplan, President and General Manager of Discovery Golf, said: “Welcoming the European Tour and the Ryder Cup into the GOLFTV world is a significant step in our journey to becoming a premier global destination for golf entertainment.”

“To become the true ‘digital home of golf,’ we know we must think differently and go further than anything that has been done before. Forging a deeper relationship with the European Tour to help develop and grow its digital assets is a perfect example of that, and it highlights our long-term aim to build a true ecosystem around golf, leveraging Discovery’s global presence and expertise to achieve this at scale.”