PGA Tour secures Chinese streaming partner

Online video platform iQIYI has struck a deal to become the official digital streaming portal in China for golf’s PGA Tour.

The agreement will run for five years, from 2016 to 2020.

The deal includes more than 1,500 hours of live streaming from more than 40 PGA Tour tournaments per year, including the Players Championship, all FedExCup events and the Presidents Cup, as well as the World Cup.

Viewers can also watch all of the ancillary programming produced by the PGA Tour Entertainment division, including on-demand highlights, exclusive content and player interviews.

iQIYI will also work with the PGA Tour to produce customised and original content that will connect with a broader audience who may not be as familiar with the sport.

Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said: “We are excited that fans throughout China will be able to enjoy primetime coverage of the Tour for the first time through iQIYI with Thursday and Friday coverage of marquee groups that tee off in the morning US time.”

Since launching in August 2012, iQIYI Sports has streamed coverage of golf, tennis, motorsport, American football, equestrian and extreme sports events.