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In a landmark collaboration, ESPN BET, the PGA TOUR, and PENN Entertainment are set to redefine the golf viewing experience with the launch of a live betting stream on PGA TOUR LIVE via ESPN+.
The live betting stream will debut at the WM Phoenix Open taking place from 6-9 February 2025, and will provide fans with real-time betting insights and analysis during six marquee FedExCup events throughout the 2025 season. The partnership reflects the growing integration of sports betting into live broadcasts, aiming to enhance fan engagement and bring a new level of interactivity to golf coverage.
The collaboration is made possible through a multi-year agreement that sees ESPN BET as an Official Betting Operator of the PGA TOUR. Scott Warfield, Vice President of Gaming at the PGA TOUR, highlighted the significance of this partnership:
“Pairing the PGA TOUR’s in-depth ShotLink powered by CDW data with the power of the ESPN and ESPN BET brands is certain to make for a compelling sports-watching experience for fans and bettors of our sport.
“A competition feed with a focus on odds and wagers has been a goal of the PGA TOUR since our agreement with ESPN+ first began in 2022, and we are proud to make that vision a reality today with the support of our new partner, PENN Entertainment.”
The partnership builds on the PGA TOUR’s commitment to integrating betting into its broadcasts, a vision that has been evolving since its initial agreement with ESPN+ in 2022. The new betting stream will feature in-depth analysis, key data points, and live odds discussions during two hours of pre-broadcast coverage for each event.
The live betting stream of the WM Phoenix Open will be hosted by Jonathan Coachman, with on-course reporting by Michael Collins and analysis from Matt Every and Graham DeLaet. The program will delve into hole-by-hole live betting opportunities and tournament markets.
Jason Birney, Vice President of Operations at PENN Interactive, emphasised how this initiative deepens their media integrations:
“ESPN BET on PGA TOUR LIVE deepens our already robust media and betting integrations with ESPN and creates unique opportunities to engage golf fans in an entertaining way with compelling up-to-the-minute data and insights.”
Following its debut, ESPN BET on PGA TOUR LIVE will return for other major events, including THE PLAYERS Championship (March 13-16), Truist Championship (May 8-11), Memorial Tournament presented by Workday (May 29-June 1), Travelers Championship (June 19-22), and the FedEx St. Jude Championship (August 7-10).
Tim Bunnell, Senior Vice President of ESPN Programming and International, described this project as an example of cutting-edge programming:
“ESPN BET on PGA TOUR LIVE is an example of the kind of engaging, innovative programming that only the PGA TOUR, ESPN BET, and ESPN can deliver. Bringing these unique partnerships together is an important strategy in ESPN’s commitment to covering and expanding the audience for world-class golf.”
The partnership also includes rights for ESPN BET to use PGA TOUR branding across various media platforms. This integration aims to attract both traditional golf fans and a younger demographic interested in sports wagering.
PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+ offers unparalleled access to over 4,300 live hours covering 35 tournaments annually. This includes all eight Signature Events in 2025 as part of the PGA TOUR’s 9-year domestic media rights deal announced in 2020. Subscribers also gain access to more than 34,000 live sporting events across various sports alongside exclusive documentaries and studio programs.
The PGA TOUR itself represents golf’s greatest players from 28 countries competing for FedExCup points. With global distribution spanning over 200 countries in 30 languages, its tournaments have raised over $4 billion for charitable causes.
PENN Entertainment operates ESPN BET as part of its extensive portfolio of casinos, racetracks, and online sportsbooks across North America. Using its technology and partnerships with brands like Hollywood Casino and Canada’s top digital sports media platform, theScore, PENN has positioned itself as a leader in integrated entertainment experiences.
The launch of ESPN BET on PGA TOUR LIVE marks a significant step forward in how golf is consumed by fans. By merging real-time data with interactive betting options, this collaboration promises to deliver an engaging experience that appeals to both seasoned golf enthusiasts and newcomers drawn by the excitement of wagering.
As sports betting continues to grow across U.S. markets, now legal in close to 40 states, this partnership sets a precedent for how leagues can integrate gambling into their broadcasts responsibly while expanding their audience base. With major events like THE PLAYERS Championship and FedEx St. Jude Championship slated for coverage under this format, fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead where they are not just spectators but active participants in every swing.