Coliseum strengthens golf portfolio with fresh rights deals

Online subscription service Coliseum Sports Media has secured the rights to several high-profile golf tours and events for the New Zealand market.

Having secured the rights to all PGA Tour events in a deal struck in October, CSM has now added the European Tour, Ryder Cup, USPGA Championship, Asian Tour and LPGA Tour to its portfolio. Terms of the latest deal were not disclosed.

These new additions will be available from January via CSM’s WorldGolfPass platform, with the PGA Tour events provided through PGATourLive.

CSM said that the two platforms, both under one subscription, will deliver more than 2,000 live hours of golf each year. The services will be available for one single subscription of NZ$19.90 (€12.5/$15.7) a month or NZ$199 for a season pass.

Tim Martin, chief executive at CSM, said: “We believe every Kiwi deserves the chance to see our very own Lydia Ko (pictured) play. An exciting and inspiring young player such as Lydia Ko, combined with an increased accessibility of viewership, has the power to grow the sport amongst new and emerging audiences. This is an exciting time for golf in New Zealand. This is an exciting time for Kiwi golf fans. And this is what CSM is all about – using the leveller of technology to deliver unlimited access for all who want it. A more direct and deeper relationship between the fan and the sport only means all sports have a greater chance to grow and thrive.”

Pay-television broadcaster Sky New Zealand previously held the rights to most golf tours in the country.

CSM said it is also partnering with consumer electronics and appliances retailer Noel Leeming nationwide from January to provide set-up and support for those wanting to switchover to the new service.

CSM also currently holds rights to the English Premier League football competition in New Zealand and Taiwan, and the French Top 14 rugby union league in New Zealand.