Streaming Giant Reportedly Turns Down LIV Golf For Being 'Too Toxic'

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LIV Golf has launched its inaugural season this summer without a broadcasting partner. While it's on the lookout for a partner in the United States for next season, one streaming giant has reportedly turned the Saudi-backed circuit down.

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According to Dan Rapaport, Apple TV has turned down the opportunity to broadcast LIV Golf events. Apple TV believes LIV is "too toxic," according to the report.

LIV Golf has already held four events this season with four more still to be played. Those tournaments have been streamed on YouTube where golf fans can stream the action for free.

Front Office Sports reported just last month that LIV Golf has had discussions with "anybody and everybody" in broadcasting and streaming. LIV is reportedly seeking around $500 million for an exclusive media deal.

LIV seeking a partnership with a streaming platform like Apple TV makes sense. Given that people in the U.S. continue to cord-cut and strictly consume television and sports via streaming, a streaming partner could be an ideal setup for LIV.

While streaming makes sense, it also makes sense that Apple TV turned down a golf circuit with ties to the Saudi regime, which has a horrendous human rights record.

Perhaps Hulu or Amazon Prime takes a look at LIV and attempts to strike a deal for next season.

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Mark covers all sports at OutKick while keeping a close eye on the world of professional golf. He graduated from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga before earning his master's degree in journalism from the University of Tennessee. He somehow survived living in Knoxville despite ‘Rocky Top’ being his least favorite song ever written. Before joining OutKick, he wrote for various outlets including SB Nation, The Spun, and BroBible. Mark was also a writer for the Chicago Cubs Double-A affiliate in 2016 when the team won the World Series. He's still waiting for his championship ring to arrive. Follow him on Twitter @itismarkharris.