The PGA Tour is just over six weeks away from its deadline to reach a definitive agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the DP World Tour — and it says completing that deal is still the top priority.

In a memo to players, the PGA Tour policy board said its leaders “remain focused” on those negotiations. The memo said “progress has been deliberate,” but offered no update on potential timing for more news. 

If the deal is completed, the PIF would invest at least $1 billion — and potentially much more — into a new commercial entity called PGA Tour Enterprises, which would oversee the commercial business of the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf. PGA Tour members will receive equity ownership in that company, it was also revealed on Tuesday.

Beyond the PIF update, the memo confirmed the PGA Tour has moved forward with representatives from “potential minority investors.” That terminology is particularly notable as rumors continue to swirl that those interested outside investors could potentially replace the PIF as a financial partner altogether. 

The PGA Tour had already reportedly narrowed that list down to five entities, including Boston Red Sox parent company Fenway Sports Group, as well as a company owned by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly. Fenway had previously confirmed its bid. Endeavor was once in discussions with the PGA Tour but is no longer in the running to invest.

NBA Assist?

In a surprising move, some prospective PGA Tour investors reportedly reached out to NBA commissioner Adam Silver about overseeing the future of professional golf, according to the New York Times. However, Silver isn’t interested, and no other details were forthcoming about the potential logistics.

Under the terms of the current framework agreement, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan would be CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises, while PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan would be the company’s chairman.

Netflix makes its live sports debut Tuesday night in Las Vegas, and reports continue to indicate that this won’t be the streamer’s only effort in the space.

As the NBA prepares to seal its next set of media rights deals, Netflix has expressed some interest in acquiring rights to the league’s in-season tournament, according to Sports Business Journal. 

One idea being discussed would be a docuseries based on the tournament similar to Formula 1’s “Drive to Survive,” if Netflix could buy the live game rights.

The NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament is already providing a viewership boost for some of the league’s media partners. ESPN saw one game up 73% compared to a similar broadcast window last year. Tournament games are also airing on TNT, local channels, and NBA League Pass, a practice that will continue next season. 

When the NBA’s new media deals arrive in 2025, the tournament will likely be carved out and sold as its own media rights package.

The NBA news is just the latest sports rumor tied to Netflix. The streaming company is also reportedly interested in broadcasting a boxing event involving Jake Paul, as well as matches from Premier Boxing Champions.

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has admitted the company is “in the sports business,” but stresses it will do things its own way. 

For now, that appears to be one-off events with athletes or leagues with which it already has a relationship. Tuesday night’s Netflix Cup features many athletes from “Drive to Survive” and the PGA Tour’s “Full Swing” series, while Paul also has a documentary on Netflix.

The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club’s proposed $250 million expansion of its grounds to stage Wimbledon has run into growing local opposition — putting the project’s future in doubt.

Two weeks after a Merton planning committee approved plans to build 39 courts, including an 8,000-seat stadium — allowing the All England Club to hold its qualifying events on site — planning officers in the neighboring London borough of Wandsworth are recommending refusal of the project, due primarily to its scale.

A report published by the Wandsworth council found that the construction would “remove a substantial area of the historic landscape, disrupt historic views, and detract from the open character of the parkland and the conversation area.” The 73-acre site spans parts of both Merton and Wandsworth. 

The matter is due to head to the full Wandsworth council next week and then the Greater London Authority for approval. 

The All England Club said they were “surprised” with the latest findings. “We regret that Wandsworth’s officers have taken a different view, but it is for councillors [sic] on the planning applications committee to make their own considered decision,” it said. “We firmly believe the AELTC Wimbledon Park project will deliver substantial social, economic, and environmental benefits.”

Wimbledon is the only one of tennis’ four Grand Slam tournaments to not hold its qualifying events on site — qualifiers are held several miles away at a smaller venue with a 2,000-person capacity.