Ackerley Sports Group, a subsidiary of Seattle-based investment firm Ackerley Partners, is one of the investors in a newly formed company called TMRW Sports, which is launching an indoor golf league called TGL in January. The company, co-founded by golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, has already reached a valuation of $500 million, with support from various venture capital firms, professional athletes, and music stars. TGL will feature six teams of PGA Tour stars competing in a unique indoor arena, where they will hit into large simulator screens for long shots and play on a rotating physical GreenZone for chips and putts. The league has secured major sponsors such as SoFi and will be broadcast on ESPN.
TGL has teams based in Atlanta, Boston, Florida, Los Angeles, New York, and the Bay Area, owned by established sports franchise owners like Steve Cohen and Fenway Sports Group. Ted Ackerley, who manages Ackerley Sports Group with his brother Chris, is optimistic about the TGL format and its prominent coverage on ESPN. He also expressed hope that Seattle will have its own TGL team in the future. The Ackerley brothers are co-owners of the Seattle Kraken NHL franchise, launched three years ago, and are associated with Leeds United Football Club and South Africa’s national rugby group.
Ted and Chris Ackerley are the sons of Barry Ackerley, the late Seattle businessman and founder of The Ackerley Group media company. The Ackerley family has a rich history in sports ownership, having owned the NBA’s Seattle Supersonics for 18 years and founding the WNBA’s Seattle Storm in 2000. With the NBA potentially returning to Seattle in the future, driven by new media deals likely involving major tech companies such as Amazon, the Ackerley brothers continue to expand their sports portfolio with investments in various sports franchises worldwide.
The creation of TGL marks a significant step in the world of indoor golf leagues, with high-profile backers and top athletes associated with the venture. The league’s innovative format, combining technology with physical elements, is expected to attract a wide audience, with matches set to be broadcast on a major sports network like ESPN. The participation of golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy adds star power to TGL and enhances its credibility, making it a must-watch event for golf enthusiasts.
With the backing of Ackerley Sports Group and other prominent investors, TMRW Sports and TGL are well-positioned to succeed in the competitive sports industry. By securing top sponsors and securing broadcast deals with leading networks, the league is poised for success upon its launch in January. The involvement of established sports franchise owners in various TGL teams further strengthens the league’s credibility and potential for growth. As the sports world continues to evolve, TGL represents a new and exciting addition to the landscape, offering a fresh and innovative approach to golf competition.
