LIV Golf has struggled to attract a large TV audience since its launch in 2022, with the fledgling Saudi breakaway Tour’s deal with the CW Network set to end this year

LIV Golf could turn away from traditional television

Golf sensation Phil Mickelson has dropped some massive hints pointing towards LIV Golf’s future, suggesting it might lean towards a digital and streaming-centric broadcast approach.

As the league’s current broadcasting arrangement with CW Network draws to an end, there’s chatter about a complete overhaul in how LIV Golf brings the action to the fans, especially in light of some broadcasts reportedly drawing less than 200,000 average viewers.

The golfer revealed discernible shifts in focus for LIV Golf’s future telecasts amidst concerns over its viewership numbers. “Our new partner, whoever that is after this year, I think is going to be more focused and centric on digital and streaming,” Mickelson said, indicating a pivot away from conventional TV.

Admitting his distance from the negotiation table, Mickelson continued: “They’re in the middle of negotiating viewership relationships and partnerships going for next year. I’m not a part of that, so I don’t really have any great insight for you. I just know that the old-school model is not where LIV Golf is headed,” cementing the idea that the tour is eyeing a much-needed revamp in its presentation to the world.

Mickelson, a major catch for LIV Golf from the PGA Tour in 2022, has hinted at hanging up his clubs amidst a slump in form. The American golf legend, with six majors and 45 PGA Tour wins under his belt, suggested he might step back to let fresh talent lead HyFlyers.

“I am realistic with where I’m at,” Mickelson admitted. “I’m 54 and I’m putting in the work. I also have a unique opportunity because of the fact that physically I’ve been able to withstand injuries and been able to be in better shape to do something at an age that nobody else has done, but I have not played at that level that I need to.”

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Phil Mickelson has hinted LIV Golf could be making some big changes (

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“I see glimpses and my teammates see glimpses of me being where I expect to be able to compete at level. But I’m also realistic with myself, and if I’m not able to I’ll step aside and let somebody come on in and take the HyFlyers to new levels.”

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Despite his focus on nurturing the Saudi-backed circuit, Mickelson confessed he’s still got his eyes on major prizes. “I’m in every major on the regular tour next year, and I’ll be in three of the four majors for the next six, seven years,” he said.

“I would love to compete and give myself a chance to win in those, and I also want to build this out and create a culture that is sustainable and that people strive to be a part of. How I do that, whether it’s internally as a player and so forth, or whether it’s strictly from the outside, I’m going to be intricately involved with the HyFlyers going forward probably the rest of my life, and then my playing career I’ll be realistic where I’m at too.”