Lewis Hamilton and Serena Williams are among the big-name investors announced by Tiger Woods’ and Rory McIlroy’s new sports startup.
The golf legends co-founded TMRW Sports, a progressive sports, media and entertainment company, in August.
Its first project will be the TGL, a tech-infused golf league which is set to get underway in January 2024. It will run in partnership with the PGA Tour.
A group of “culturally relevant” figures have now invested in TMRW Sports, including F1 star Hamilton and tennis legend Williams.
Who has invested in Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s start-up?
The investment group includes basketball great Stephen Curry, football players Alex Morgan and Gareth Bale, American football figures Tony Romo and Josh Allen, popstar Justin Timberlake and tennis icon Andy Murray.
There are also a number of professional sports team owners, including Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, Philadelphia 76ers co-owner David Blitzer, Minnesota Vikings owner Mark Wilf and Boston Red Sox co-owners John Henry and Tom Warner.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors stands on court during their game against the Miami Heat at Chase Center on October 27, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
“We wanted a group of people who have a vision for how technology can help make sports more accessible and culturally relevant and attract new and different groups of fans,” Mike McCarley, chief executive and co-founder of TMRW Sports, told CNBC.
“That’s ultimately younger fans, and families.
“From the very beginning our plan has been to partner with the best-in-class in every way imaginable.
“Tiger, Rory, and I value the support of this unrivalled team of investors, advisors, and ambassadors who believe in our vision to harness technology to create progressive approaches to sports.
“Their combined broad reach and cultural relevance will expand potential opportunities and fanbases for TMRW projects.”
Collectively, the new investment group have received 40 Emmy awards, 10 Grammy awards, and 21 Olympic gold medals, and have played in 32 NBA All-Star Games, eight NBA championship series, and 16 NFL Pro Bowls.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 02: Serena Williams of the United States looks on against Ajla Tomlijanovic of Australia during their Women's Singles Third Round match on Day Five of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 02, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
What is the TGL golf league?
Woods and McIIroy will both compete in the inaugural TGL golf league, which will look to draw in younger sports fans.
The league will feature 15 two-hour Monday night events, plus a semifinals and finals series.
The events will be contested between teams of PGA Tour players within a state-of-the-art, mostly virtual venue, and televised in primetime. It is hoped a virtual course will eliminate weather worries and provide real-time stats.
McCarley revealed he was collaborating with Woods and McIlroy on everything from the format, to the scoring.