DGPT-CBS Broadcast Deal: Disc Golf VS MNF Prime-Time Battle
The DGPT-CBS broadcast partnership catapults disc golf into prime-time, competing with MNF. This deal tests disc golf’s mainstream appeal.
The Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) has entered a promising alliance with CBS Sports to broadcast select tour events, marking another step towards mainstream recognition for the sport. However, this deal sets disc golf on a collision course with the established viewer base of Monday Night Football (MNF).
Read the full press release here.
Details of the CBS Sports Broadcast Deal
Disc golf’s journey toward mainstream acceptance has seen significant milestones, with the DGPT and its partners leading initiatives to elevate the sport’s profile. The most recent venture with CBS Sports is set to feature one-hour broadcasts of three marquee events, co-produced by JomezPro and the Disc Golf Network, on the following dates:
- Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) Pro World Championships presented by L.L. Bean: November 13 | 7:00 PM ET
- United States Disc Golf Championship/Throw Pink Women’s Disc Golf Championship presented by Innova Champion Discs: November 27 | 7:00 PM ET
- Disc Golf Pro Tour Championship presented by Barbasol: December 11 | 7:00 PM ET
Slated for 7:00 PM ET on Mondays, these will directly compete with the MNF timeslot, posing a potential viewership challenge given football’s entrenched fan base. CBS Sports Network’s widespread reach presents a significant opportunity for disc golf to capture a larger audience. Yet, the competition with MNF could risk overshadowing these broadcasts. The contrasting pace of disc golf might serve as a refreshing alternative to football’s high-octane action, potentially drawing a segment of viewers seeking something different.
Building on Past Broadcasting Milestones
The DGPT’s previous endeavors, including broadcasting partnerships for the Dynamic Discs Open and with ESPN, have set a precedent for national broadcast partnerships. DGPT CEO Jeff Spring sees the value in showcasing disc golf on multiple platforms. The diversification of broadcast channels, Spring believes, is beneficial for the sport, providing both seasoned fans and new viewers with engaging content.
Cautious Optimism in the Disc Golf Community
Community reactions reflect a blend of anticipation and concern. The formidable competition posed by MNF tempers the thrill of seeing disc golf in a prime-time slot. The disc golf community, however, remains hopeful, as athletes, organizers, and fans see the CBS deal as a potential catalyst for continued growth.
The DGPT-CBS deal underscores the burgeoning status of disc golf in the sports broadcasting arena despite the looming competition with MNF. As disc golf inches toward mainstream acceptance, each experiment carries the potential further to unravel the sport’s appeal to a broader audience. The unfolding narrative of disc golf’s journey, intertwined with the challenges and opportunities presented by prime-time broadcasting, paints an exciting picture of what lies ahead for this burgeoning sport.
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