Neo signs exclusive rights deal for PGA Tour

22 October 2009 | Posted in Broadcast, Golf | By Simone Walker

Indian sports channel Neo Sports has secured the exclusive broadcast rights to the PGA Tour for the next six years.

Neo Sports has been associated with the PGA since 2008 and has aired live tournaments since then.

Commenting on the deal Prasana Krishnan, chief operating officer Neo Sports Broadcast, said: “The PGA Tour is the premier golf tour in the world. Our renewal of broadcasting rights for six years is an indication of our interest and commitment in bringing high quality Golf to Indian audiences.”

Tim Leisure, PGA Tour senior vice president for international television, said: “The PGA Tour is extremely pleased to be associated with Neo Sports, the leading sports network in the country to broadcast the world’s best golf to the Indian sub-continent and to Indian fans of the sport.”

“Golf enjoys a significant and growing fan base in India and our association with the channel will help us reach the ever-growing Indian golf audience and fulfill its expectations of access to top quality golf.”

In addition to broadcasting the live events, Neo Sports will also present two shows every week: The PGA Tour Highlights, a show that focuses on the highlights of the previous weeks' action, and Inside the PGA Tour, a preview of the week ahead. Financial terms were not disclosed, but a source close to the negotiations confirmed the deal was worth a high six-figure annual sum to the PGA Tour.