Key Points:
- TGL, the indoor golf league founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, has inked a multiyear deal with Fanatics for exclusive merchandise rights.
- Fanatics founder and CEO Michael Rubin made a personal investment in TMRW Sports earlier this year.
- The new league has already attracted big-name investors like Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank and tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams.
Fanatics Becomes the Official E-Commerce Partner of TGL
The golfing world received a considerable jolt as TGL (Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s indoor golf league) announced a groundbreaking partnership with e-commerce juggernaut Fanatics. The terms of this multi-year agreement have not been disclosed, but Fanatics gains the exclusive rights to design and produce both league-wide and team-specific merchandise for TGL.
The Synergy: Fanatics and TGL’s Strategy
Brian Swallow, Fanatics Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, commented on the collaboration: “Fanatics is uniquely poised to help realize TGL’s vision of fusing golf, technology, and culture.” The deal positions Fanatics as TGL’s sole operator for e-commerce platforms, offering fans an intuitive, rapid online and mobile commerce experience.
A Star-Studded Affair: Investor and Ownership Lineup
The league, still in its nascent stages, has already brought onboard an impressive list of investors and team owners, including the likes of Arthur Blank, John Henry, Tom Werner, Alexis Ohanian, and tennis sensations Serena and Venus Williams. Most recently, Marc Lasry and NBA star Steph Curry were revealed as the latest additions to the ownership team.
Media Outreach and Event Plans
Earlier this month, TGL secured a multi-year media rights agreement with ESPN, planning to broadcast its debut match on ABC come January 9th. Mike McCarley, TGL co-founder and former NBC Sports executive, likens Fanatics’ role to that of ESPN, stating, “Fanatics is the platform where sports fans go to make their purchasing decisions, much like ESPN is the first platform fans think of for sports content.”
The Road Ahead: Events and Player Commitments
TGL events will be held in partnership with the PGA Tour at a custom-designed course in Palm Beach County, Florida. They will feature team-based competition among some of golf’s leading names. Already, 24 PGA Tour stars, responsible for a total of 223 PGA Tour wins, have committed to participate in TGL’s inaugural season. Tiger Woods, still recovering from injuries sustained in a 2021 car accident, is also expected to take part, according to McCarley.
With the stage set for TGL’s debut match in January, it will be exciting to see how this partnership with Fanatics further enriches the league’s growing narrative and fan engagement.
