Is Pickleball Overtaking Golf in Weekend Sports Viewership? Evidence Keeps Mounting
Most would agree that professional pickleball on television still has a long way to go before it captures the heart of the average American.
Yet, in a surprising turn of events, the sport’s momentum seems to be already making waves in unexpected places.
This past Sunday, while two of golf's biggest names – Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm – battled it out in a $4 million playoff at The Greenbrier, the real winner in the TV ratings was midday pickleball.
LIV Golf Greenbrier on CW:
— Sports TV Ratings (@SportsTVRatings) August 20, 2024
Saturday (1-6P): 136K
Sunday (1-6:11P): 165K
Pro Pickleball Association Bristol Open Sunday at 1P on Fox: 295K
As you can see, Sunday's PPA Bristol broadcast did just shy of two days worth of LIV Golf coverage. The fact that pickleball could outshine such a high-stakes golf event signals a shift in sports entertainment that few saw coming.
Jason Flamm
It is also worth noting that LIV Golf’s event aired on the CW Network, while the PPA Tour’s Bristol event enjoyed the broader reach of Fox National.
LIV Golf's struggles could be pickleball's gain
Despite the initial excitement surrounding LIV Golf – backed by the substantial resources of the Saudi Private Investment Fund – the league has struggled to connect with fans.
Jason Flamm
Whether this reflects the rising popularity of professional pickleball or simply LIV Golf’s inability to meet expectations is up for debate.
But, a win is a win and we'll take it.
@PPAtour kicked @livgolf_league ass in viewership on Sunday. Pickleball: 295k viewers, Golf: 165k viewers. The future of pickleball is clear. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
— Connor Pardoe (@connorpardoe_pb) August 20, 2024
Check out the article linked: https://t.co/EgALByhVou
Even the PGA Tour's FedEx St. Jude Championship – featuring top-tier names like Scottie Scheffler (who is a big pickleball advocate), Xander Schauffele, and Viktor Hovland – saw its viewership dip from 3.2 million in 2023 to 2.2 million in 2024.
Yet, the situation for LIV Golf seems particularly dire, with three seasons of play under its belt and little to show in terms of fan engagement.
Jason Flamm
As LIV Golf heads into its fourth season, the league faces a critical juncture. If it fails to strengthen its connection with fans, perhaps the sport’s next big investor might find more potential in pickleball – where the audiences are growing, and the stakes are just beginning to rise.
