SWING REPORT: VOLUME LXIX

THREE FACTS AND YOU'RE OUT!

1. LIV Golf: Expands Global Reach with Coupang Play Partnership and New Leadership

LIV Golf has partnered with Coupang Play, South Korea’s leading streaming service.

2. Maverick Carter: Leads $5B Effort to Launch Global 'F1 for Basketball' League

A group of investors raising $5 billion to establish a global basketball league.

3. The Snow League: Secures $15M Funding to Revolutionize Winter Sports

Raised $15 million in a funding round led by Left Lane Capital.

LIV Golf: Expands Global Reach with Coupang Play Partnership and New Leadership

LIV Golf has partnered with Coupang Play, South Korea’s leading streaming service, to host its inaugural Korean event, LIV Golf Korea presented by Coupang Play, from May 2-4, 2025, at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Incheon.

The event will feature a star-studded lineup, including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and South Korea’s No. 1 KPGA player Yubin Jang, who will make his LIV Golf debut.

This multi-year partnership establishes Coupang Play as the exclusive broadcast partner for LIV Golf in Korea and a principal sponsor of the Iron Heads GC team, captained by Korean-American Kevin Na and featuring three Korean-born players.

This milestone event comes as LIV Golf enters its next phase of global growth under new CEO Scott O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive with over 25 years of experience managing iconic brands like the Philadelphia 76ers and Madison Square Garden.

O’Neil succeeds Greg Norman, who will remain involved in an advisory role after spearheading LIV Golf’s groundbreaking launch and early success.

O’Neil is committed to modernizing the sport and expanding its reach, saying, “There has never been a better time to unlock real financial investment, bring team golf and innovation to the forefront, and put fan experience and fun at the center of everything we do.”

Coupang Play, renowned for its extensive sports portfolio, including the Coupang Play Series and MLB World Tour Seoul Series, will provide live broadcasts, event marketing, and exclusive access to Iron Heads GC to further engage Korea's passionate golf audience.

With O’Neil’s leadership and Coupang Play’s local expertise, LIV Golf Korea presented by Coupang Play will be a pivotal moment for the league, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Presidents Cup at the same venue and cementing LIV Golf’s presence in South Korea as it continues to captivate new audiences worldwide.

Swing Take: This partnership underscores LIV Golf's mission to redefine the sport through innovative team-based formats while leveraging localized strategies to captivate new audiences and expand golf's global footprint in key international markets.

https://tinyurl.com/5n6rrmt5

Maverick Carter: Leads $5B Effort to Launch Global 'F1 for Basketball' League

Maverick Carter, business partner of LeBron James, is advising a group of investors raising $5 billion to establish a global basketball league.

Investment firms UBS and Evercore are leading the fundraising efforts, targeting wealthy individuals and institutional investors.

The league plans to feature six men’s and six women’s teams, with games played in eight cities worldwide, spending two weeks in each city.

Dubbed the “F1 for basketball,” it aims to complement rather than compete with the NBA.

Backers include notable investors like Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice, former Facebook executive Grady Burnett, and SC Holdings co-founders Jason Stein and Daniel Haimovic.

It is important to note that LeBron James is not currently involved.

The rise of new sports leagues like this is fueled by shifting sports media rights, growing institutional capital, demand for untapped markets, niche sports’ growth, and the expansion of sports betting.

However, challenges such as differentiating from existing leagues, attracting top talent, and building sustainable viewership remain critical hurdles.

With a clear vision, experienced backers, and potential funding, this league has promise, but its ultimate success remains to be seen.

Swing Take: As stated above, the rise of innovative, investor-backed sports leagues signals a future where sports transcend traditional markets, emphasizing global appeal, inclusivity, and new media opportunities.

https://tinyurl.com/3zkrc84y

The Snow League: Secures $15M Funding to Revolutionize Winter Sports

The Snow League, founded by three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White, has raised $15 million in a funding round led by Left Lane Capital, with participation from prominent investors including Will Ventures, Ryan Sports Ventures, and Kevin Durant’s Boardroom Sports Holdings.

Launched in June 2024, the league will host its debut season in March 2025 with a four-event global competition format, showcasing elite snowboarding and freeskiing talent at iconic resorts like Aspen Snowmass.

Featuring 36 athletes from nine countries, including stars like Ayumu Hirano, Queralt Castellet, and Maddie Mastro, the league aims to elevate fan engagement and redefine winter sports through innovation, athlete-focused competition, and partnerships with NBC Sports and Peacock.

This funding marks a pivotal step for The Snow League, as it accelerates expansion and sets a new benchmark for winter sports entertainment.

By prioritizing athlete development and fan experience, the league seeks to attract top-tier talent and a global audience, signaling a transformative moment for snowboarding and freeskiing.

With visionary leadership from Shaun White and CEO Omer Atesmen, The Snow League positions itself as a trailblazer, modernizing winter sports and building a premium platform for the next generation of athletes and fans alike.

Swing Take: The Snow League’s innovation-driven approach and focus on athlete empowerment could absolutely redefine competitive snowboarding and freeskiing, positioning these sports for mainstream appeal and sustained global growth.

https://tinyurl.com/5n87xxm8