Discovery, PGA Tour Pact with Jupiter Golf Network

Discovery and the PGA Tour have entered into a partnership with Jupiter Golf Network, which is part of Jupiter Telecommunications (J:COM), to increase the viewership of golf across Japan.

Discovery sublicensed to Jupiter Golf Network the exclusive pay-TV rights to the PGA Tour, as well as the ability to simulcast this programming via a digital service live and on-demand for a select time. The deal marks the first new broadcast partnership under Discovery’s 12-year collaboration with the PGA Tour. It will see live PGA Tour coverage featured on Golf Network, with plans to develop a broader digital ecosystem using GolfTV’s digital content to engage more fans of the sport.

As of January 2019, viewers in Japan can watch extensive live action on the Golf Network linear channel and simulcast coverage through the Golf Network Plus app. Live coverage will include The Players Championship, the FedExCup Playoffs and the Presidents Cup.

The recently announced streaming service GolfTV will become available in January and will include extensive live coverage of the PGA Tour. It will offer some 2,000 hours of live action each year and a variety of content on demand.

Alex Kaplan, the president and general manager of Discovery Golf, said: “We are delighted to expand Discovery’s long-term partnership with the J:COM group, deepening our relationship and securing a highly valued partner for the rollout of our golf proposition. This is a real win for the passionate and growing community of golf fans in Japan, promising to deliver even more of the sport’s biggest moments all-year-round and made available however fans want to watch: TV, online or mobile.

“Building on world-class localized Japanese coverage on Golf Network and GolfTV, together with Jupiter Golf Network we have ambitions to establish a more comprehensive digital partnership, best utilizing our platforms and content to further grow viewership and broaden engagement around golf throughout the country.”