Streaming giant Netflix will broadcast its first live sports event with the launch of the ‘Netflix Cup’ golf tournament featuring athletes from two of its premium sports docuseries.
The event will pit Formula 1 (F1) drivers from the Drive to Survive series against golfers from the PGA Tour’s Full Swing and will stream live on Netflix on November 14.
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The drivers and golfers will pair up to compete in a match-play tournament at Wynn Golf Club at Wynn Las Vegas ahead of the inaugural F1 grand prix in the US city.
The roster for the Netflix Cup currently includes F1 drivers Alex Albon (Williams Racing), Pierre Gasly (BWT Alpine F1 Team), Lando Norris (McLaren Racing), and Carlos Sainz (Scuderia Ferrari), and PGA Tour golfers Rickie Fowler, Max Homa, Collin Morikawa, and Justin Thomas.
Two worlds collide in Netflix's first LIVE sports event — the Netflix Cup! It's Formula 1: Drive to Survive vs. Full Swing — streaming live from the Wynn Las Vegas on November 14 at 3PM PT/6PM ET! pic.twitter.com/CbTg3k7qIL
— Netflix (@netflix) October 17, 2023
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By GlobalData
Four pairs consisting of one F1 driver and one PGA Tour professional will play an eight-hole match with the top two teams advancing to the final hole for a chance to win the inaugural Netflix Cup title.
Drive to Survive is now in production for its sixth season while Full Swing, which debuted this year, has been renewed for a second season having been credited with a rise in PGA Tour fan engagement.
Gabe Spitzer, Netflix vice president of nonfiction sports, said: “We love to see how our sports series have brought increased fandom to sports leagues and competitions all over the world.
“The Netflix Cup will take that energy to the next level with global stars from two popular hits competing in our first-ever live sports event.”
Norb Gambuzza, PGA Tour senior vice president of media and gaming, added: “The PGA Tour is proud to participate in this significant milestone for Netflix and we look forward to showcasing our sport’s professional athletes to a live global audience.
“New and diverse audiences have come to know more about both our sports and their athletes through 'Full Swing' and 'Drive to Survive', and we are excited to team up with Netflix, Formula 1, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix on this exciting concept.”
The concept resembles the annual ‘The Match’ exhibition golf event staged by media and entertainment giant Warner Bros. Discovery Sports that features professional golfers and athletes from other sports.
In recent months, Netflix agreed deals to launch a documentary series with US stock car motor racing’s Nascar and the US women's soccer team. It also renewed a deal for a second season of tennis’ Break Point.
The streaming heavyweight has often been linked with a move into live sports but has been unwilling to secure rights, with its co-chief executive Ted Sarandos last year stating that it has not yet seen a path to profitability in this space.
