“Shocking”;“First of many LIV entities that will fold!” – Fans ‘surprised’ as LIV Golf’s streaming provider shuts down due to lack of profitability

Fans are shocked and surprised by LIV Golf's viewership deal with Caffeine coming to an end after only a few months. The Saudi Circuit inked a contract with Caffeine TV earlier this year ahead of their Jeddah event.

However, Caffeine TV recently announced that they will no longer be streaming LIV Golf events, citing a lack of profitability. Nuclr Golf shared the update on its X (formerly Twitter) account, writing:

"#CAFFEINE CRASH — LIV Golf’s Friday streaming coverage provider @caffeine is shutting down citing lack of profitability, @JoshACarpenter reports."

Fans jumped into the replies to share their opinions about the news. Some were shocked by the sudden change, while others said it was surprising.

"Shocking," wrote a fan.

"The first of many LIV entities that will fold!" wrote another fan.

"Color me surprised!" jotted another fan.

Meanwhile, another fan took a jibe at the cancellation of the deal, writing:

"Streaming numbers must have been so big they had to shut down."

Here are more fan reactions:

Fans reactions ((Image via X/@NUCLRGOLF)

Notably, LIV Golf currently streams on their YouTube channel and is also available to watch on the LIV Golf+ app. It is important to note that for American audiences, LIV Golf events are also available to stream through the CW Network.

The streaming platform signed a multi-year deal with the Saudi Circuit last year and carried all 14 events of the season on their network's linear and digital platforms. However, only the final two rounds are available to stream on their streaming platform. In contrast, the opening Friday round can be streamed on The CW Network and available on Caffeine TV. However, Caffeine has canceled their deal, indicating that the round might remain available on The CW Network mobile app.

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LIV Golf debuted on Caffeine with staggering viewership

LIV Golf Jeddah was the first event streamed on Caffeine TV, achieving record-breaking viewership for their debut event on the platform. According to LIV Golf's chief media officer, Will Staeger, Caffeine TV delivered 5.4 million views for the Jeddah event. The tournament reportedly garnered 6 million views, with more than half of them recorded on Caffeine TV.

As per Sports Business Journal, the first event of the season held in Mexico had a total of 3.5 million views, which came from LIV Golf+ and YouTube, while the second event in Las Vegas garnered 3.03 million views. However, the viewership declined in the next few tournaments.

The Jeddah event attracted a larger audience as it marked the return of former PGA Tour player Anthony Kim after a 12-year hiatus.

An injury sidelined Kim from competing at the professional level after a strong start to his career in 2006. He won three PGA Tour events and was soon compared to legendary golfer Tiger Woods after making his debut on the PGA Tour. However, he suffered an injury and quit golf in 2012.

Kim finally returned to professional golf in 2024 as a mid-season wildcard entry in LIV Golf. However, he largely struggled with his game upon his return.