The The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday it had reviewed a draft contract LIV Golf offered to players, noting it was unclear if terms in the draft are in all contracts or can be negotiated.
Among other provisions in the draft contract was approval for most of the logos they wear and branded products they use at events.
The draft contract reviewed by the Journal did not include any signing bonuses, although the newspaper said one detail was a $1 million bonus ($A1.4 million) for winning a major championship.
“LIV Golf, as a start-up, is proud to offer our golfers competitive contracts,” a LIV spokesperson said in a statement to the Journal. “Our future is bright and we continue to be excited by the player and fan response.”
Greg Norman has reached out to players and agents regarding world ranking points in recent days. PHOTO: Jamie Squire/LIV Golf via Getty Images.
The rival league, run by LIV CEO Greg Norman and backed by the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, has played three events this year. The next one is scheduled for September 2-4 outside Boston.
The Journal said apparel requirements were noted “multiple times” in the draft contract it reviewed and players were to only wear appropriate “Team Apparel” during any LIV activity or “any other covered golf activity.”
One component of LIV Golf Invitational events are 12 four-man teams that complete for $5 million ($A7.2 million), in addition to the $20 million ($A29 million) prize fund for individual scores.
“The Player agrees to wear LIV Golf branding (or other branding supplied by the League Operator) at each Tournament and each other golf tournament you participate in anywhere in the world,” it states.
The Journal cited another provision requiring players to agree to refrain from “providing exclusive interviews or commentaries” in relation to any event or league activity without approval.
The draft contract also said players agree to “where requested, assist the League Operator in seeking to persuade players to enter into multiyear player participation agreements with the League Operator.”
The newspaper said the draft contract indicates players broadly sign away their media rights from LIV events, similar to PGA Tour regulations.
It also says LIV golfers can play anywhere in the world provided it isn’t the same week as a LIV Golf event.
Meanwhile, Norman has sent a letter to players and agents outlining why the league should get Official World Golf Ranking points.
“This is not only in the best interests of LIV Golf, but importantly also necessary for the integrity, accuracy and fairness of the rankings to be upheld,” Norman wrote.
Noting that the application was filed on July 6, and that new tours have to show it has complied with OWGR guidelines for one year, he is urging the OWGR to “gain comfort” with LIV Golf’s status.
Norman said neither LIV Golf nor the Asian Tour has heard from ranking officials.
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