Movistar Plus, a leading broadcaster in Spain, is set to lose the rights to air the PGA Tour, marking a significant shift in golf broadcasting for the region. Beginning January 2, 2025, the PGA Tour will move to Max, a streaming platform created through the merger of HBO and Discovery. This transition comes as part of a broader effort by Max to establish itself as a premier destination for sports content, alongside its entertainment offerings.
Max expands its sports portfolio
Max’s acquisition of the PGA Tour rights includes the Korn Ferry Tour and the Champions Tour, adding to its robust portfolio of sports programming that already features coverage of the Olympics, tennis, cycling, and UFC events. The platform has assembled a seasoned commentary team, including Guillermo Salmeron, Marta Sánchez Bellas, and Jacobo Pastor, ensuring that Spanish golf fans will enjoy expert analysis and high-quality coverage.
While Max celebrates this win, Movistar Plus is not entirely stepping away from golf. The broadcaster will continue to air the DP World Tour, which features a significant contingent of Spanish players, as well as LIV Golf, another prominent golf series. This move allows Movistar Plus to retain a foothold in the golfing world, even as it loses the PGA Tour’s extensive appeal.
For Spanish golf fans, this change may bring a shift in viewing habits. The convenience of streaming platforms like Max could attract a younger demographic, while traditional viewers may need to adapt to the digital-first approach. This development also underscores a growing trend in sports media, where streaming services are becoming dominant players in the industry.
As Max prepares to debut its PGA Tour coverage, it faces the challenge of meeting the high expectations set by Movistar Plus. Golf enthusiasts in Spain are eager to see how this new chapter in golf broadcasting unfolds, with hopes that the quality and accessibility of coverage will continue to elevate their viewing experience.