S E53: How Tiger vs. Phil Became a $9 Million Gamble

Tiger Woods. Phil Mickelson. A $9 million purse. Could two golfers convince fans to pay for a single showdown?

David Levy takes Jimmy Roberts inside the creation of The Match—from the ratings insight that sparked the idea to the skeptics who doubted it would work and the technical problems that complicated its debut.

The former president of Turner Broadcasting and co-founder of Horizon Sports & Experiences also explains where he sees untapped revenue in golf, why he’s optimistic about the PGA Tour’s direction, and what still leaves him unconvinced about TGL. It’s a look at the decisions behind what gets televised, what advertisers buy, and how golf can turn more of its action into a business.

Beyond golf, Levy shares the unexpected pitch that helped bring Shaquille O’Neal to Inside the NBA and the lessons he learned working for Ted Turner.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• Why Tiger and Phil were the foundation for a winner-take-all television event

• Levy’s reservations about simulated golf as a spectator product

• How action beyond the leaders could create new digital, social, and betting opportunities

• The Shaq recruiting meeting—and why Ernie Johnson is essential to Inside the NBA

• Levy’s 16-year quest to play America’s top 100 courses and the personal motivation behind his fundraising for type 1 diabetes research

Plus, Powering the Women’s Game presented by Chevron, a Big Swing Moment with Peter Millar’s Scott Mahoney, and Jimmy’s closing thoughts on life with a new puppy.

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