Netflix set to debut inaugural live sporting event with ‘Netflix Cup’ golf competition
The Netflix Cup: When Motorsports Meets Golf
Scheduled for November 14th, “The Netflix Cup” will feature four Formula One drivers going head-to-head with four PGA Tour players in a live-streamed golf tournament at Wynn Golf Club near the Las Vegas strip.
This unique event combines two popular sporting docuseries from Netflix – “Drive to Survive,” now in its fifth season, and “Full Swing,” which premiered in 2023.
Representing the world of golf are American stars Rickie Fowler, Max Homa, Collin Morikawa, and Justin Thomas. On the racing side, we have Carlos Sainz from Ferrari, Lando Norris from McLaren, Alex Albon from Williams, and Pierre Gasly from Alpine.
“Our sports series have generated an incredible following worldwide,” said Gabe Spitzer, Vice President of Nonfiction Sports at Netflix. “With ‘The Netflix Cup,’ we’re taking that enthusiasm to new heights by pitting global stars against each other in our first-ever live sports event.”
The tournament format consists of four pairs – one golfer paired with one driver – competing in eight-hole matches. The top-performing teams will advance to the final hole where they will battle it out for the coveted trophy.
Wynn Golf Club has already proven itself as a host for live events, having recently staged the fifth edition of “The Match” in 2021, which saw Brooks Koepka triumph over his rival Bryson DeChambeau.
Carlos Sainz isn’t a stranger to competitive golf either. He participated in the celebrity All-Star event before the Ryder Cup in Rome earlier this month, although he unfortunately lost his match against Novak Djokovic. The main event saw Team USA, including Fowler, Homa, Morikawa, Thomas, suffer a defeat at the hands of Europe with a scoreline of 16.5 – 11.5.
In conjunction with the announcement of “The Netflix Cup,” it was revealed that several high-profile athletes are investing in Alpine’s F1 team.
Otro Capital, a private investment firm, is injecting €200 million ($211.4m) into the Renault Group-owned team as part of their strategic investment plan. They have also brought on board notable sports stars such as golfer Rory McIlroy and NFL duo Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce from Kansas City Chiefs.
Other prominent investors include boxer Anthony Joshua and footballers Trent-Alexander Arnold from Liverpool FC and Juan Mata from Manchester United FC. Roger Ehrenberg from Eberg Capital is also joining the group; he already invests in MLB’s Miami Marlins and MLS’ Real Salt Lake.
“My passion for excellence on the golf course naturally led me to admire Formula 1,” expressed McIlroy about his decision to partner with Otro Capital for Alpine F1. “This thrilling venture brings together my love for sports, competition, and an unwavering pursuit of greatness.”
Kelce added: “I am excited to lead an investor group alongside Patrick [Mahomes] at Otro Capital for this exciting opportunity with Alpine F1. Our shared commitment to excellence and innovation forms the foundation of this partnership. It’s about contributing to a sport that demands precision, teamwork, and an unyielding pursuit of success. I’m eagerly anticipating what we can accomplish together.”
It’s clear that “The Netflix Cup” is set to be a remarkable event where motorsports meets golf, showcasing the talent and passion from both sports on an international stage.