Wynn golf competition

California-based streaming giant Netflix is taking its first step into live sports at Wynn Las Vegas on the Las Vegas Strip.

The company took to X Tuesday to promote the ‘Netflix Cup’ golf tournament, which will stream live and exclusive to the brand’s subscribers from Wynn on November 14:

Sanctioned by the PGA Tour and Formula 1, Netflix’s debut live sports event will include a tournament between golfers and F1 drivers from its “Full Swing” and “Drive to Survive” series. According to the promo, four teams will fight for dominance.

Excitement builds

President of Wynn Las Vegas Steve Weitman stated the Netflix event “will showcase a tremendous roster of talent, competing on the only golf course on the Las Vegas Strip.” Weitman couldn’t resist adding Wynn was “just steps away” from the inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, which takes place next year and has already seen an eye-popping promotion.

PGA Tour pros Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, and Max Homa will also take part

According to a Netflix news release, the stars on the golf tournament’s roster include F1 drivers Carlos Sainz (Scuderia Ferrari), Lando Norris (McLaren Racing), Alex Albon (Williams Racing), and Pierre Gasly (BWT Alpine F1 Team). PGA Tour pros Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, and Max Homa will also take part.

The live event has the triple benefit of promoting golf, F1, and the Netflix documentary series about the two sports.

Netflix’s live sports bow

Like Warner Brothers, Amazon, Apple, and other streamers, Netflix sees live sports as a substantial market and, also like those brands, is pursuing a creative way to gain a foothold without paying huge money to the major leagues.

According to Variety, Netflix is perhaps the “last entertainment property that can still draw outsize crowds that watch simultaneously on a regular basis.” The popularity of Netflix series such as “Last Chance University” is one example of the California brand’s ability to appeal to mass sports-watching audiences.

In a statement introducing the Wynn golf tournament, Vice President of Nonfiction Sports at Netflix, Gabe Spitzer, highlighted the fact, saying his firm’s sports series has “brought increased fandom to sports leagues and competitions all over the world.” Spitzer expects Netflix’s live sports bow to “take that energy to the next level” as international stars compete.