TNT Sports said that top golfers Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka will compete in The Crypto.com Showdown, which will air live on December 17.
The 18-hole event will be simulcast on Warner Bros. Discovery cable networks TNT, TBS and truTV, as well as streamed via B/R Sports on Max. It features player from both the PGA and LIV Golf camps.
The announcement comes as WBD looks to bulk up its sports portfolio ahead of the loss of NBA games broadcasts next season. Sports programming is a key to WBD being able to continue to get lucrative carriage fees from cable operators.
Superstar sports analyst and noted struggling golfer Charles Barkley will be among the commentators. Barkley will be joined by analysts Ernie Johnson, Trevor Immelman and David Feherty. Two-time Masters Champion Bubba Watson and Lauren Jbara will share observations from the course.
TNT said the golfers will be competing for a multi-million-dollar purse that will be awarded in CRO Cryptocurrency.
The network said it will also use innovative production technology during the event, including dozens of camera and microphones designed to provide access as the players interact with one another during the match.
The Crypto.com Showdown will take place at MGM Resorts’ Shadow Creek golf course in Las Vegas.
Shadow Creek’s 18-hole course will be divided into three six-hole sections, with each segment assigned a point value. Best ball will lead off the first six holes, followed by alternate shot throughout the middle stretch and singles during the final six holes.
TNT has held a number of special golf events featuring top names competing for big prizes in the past, including The Match. The first edition of The Match also took place at Shadow Creek and featured Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Jon Lafayette is the Sports Editor for Barrett Media. His focus is on the business of sports, including revenue-generating activities, executive intrigue and on-air and behind the scenes talent. Jon previously covered big stories in the media industry as business editor of Broadcasting+Cable. Before B+C, Jon covered the TV and advertising industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago. He can be reached by email at Jon@BarrettMedia.com.
