SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) has expanded the reach of its national golf championship by striking live streaming deals with both Twitter and sports publisher GiveMeSport.
Having opted against renewing a deal with Sky Sports in favour of a “multi-platform” alternative with TV coverage on BBC and live streaming on Twitter, the PGA is trying to ensure that the championship (10-13 August) gets as much interest as possible.
Therefore, the USPGA Championship coverage on BBC2 towards the end of each day and a rolling feed via the BBC’s red button will also be supported with a digital distribution plan that includes live streaming on GiveMeSport’s Facebook page and website, which the publisher claims regularly attracts 750,000 golf fans in the UK.
The partnerships, which mark the first time the PGA has struck a live streaming deal with an online player, is also part of a concerted plan to bring the sport to a younger audience. GiveMeSport has 26 million Facebook followers, the bulk of which are aged between 18 to 34.
Jae Chalfin, Founder of GiveMeSport, said: “We’re delighted to partner with the PGA to bring the 2017 championships to a new younger audience of sports fans in the UK. Live streaming the championship on GiveMeSport’s Facebook page means that fans will not miss a single moment of the action, wherever they are and whatever device they are using.”
Pete Bevacqua, Chief Executive Officer of PGA of America, added: “By delivering this season’s final major to fans of all ages across BBC, Facebook and Twitter, we hope to serve the core golf audience and invite new fans to enjoy Major Championship golf across the platforms they frequent.”
