Netflix is set to debut its first-ever live sporting event called “The Netflix Cup.” The event will feature a golf tournament streamed live from the Wynn Golf Club near the Las Vegas strip and will pit four Formula One drivers against four PGA Tour players. The tournament will take place on November 14, on the eve of the first-ever Las Vegas F1 Grand Prix.
The event is a collaboration between two of Netflix’s flagship sporting docuseries, “Drive to Survive” and “Full Swing.” It aims to bring together global stars from these popular shows and create a unique and entertaining competition for fans.
Representing the world of golf will be American quartet Rickie Fowler, Max Homa, Collin Morikawa, and Justin Thomas. On the Formula One side, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, McLaren’s Lando Norris, Williams’ Alex Albon, and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly will be in action.
The tournament will follow a format of four pairs, with each pair consisting of one golfer and one driver. These pairs will compete in eight-hole matches, and the two best-performing teams will advance to the final hole to compete for the trophy.
The Wynn Golf Club, which will host the event, has experience with hosting live sporting events. It previously staged the fifth edition of “The Match” in 2021, featuring Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.
One of the participating Formula One drivers, Carlos Sainz, is no stranger to competitive golf. He recently took part in the celebrity All-Star event prior to the Ryder Cup in Rome, Italy, where he lost his match to Novak Djokovic.
In conjunction with the announcement of “The Netflix Cup,” it was revealed that several high-profile athletes, including golfer Rory McIlroy, are set to invest in Alpine’s Formula One team. Investment firm Otro Capital will make a strategic investment of €200 million ($211.4 million) into the Renault Group-owned team. The investment group will also include sports stars such as Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Anthony Joshua, Trent-Alexander Arnold, Juan Mata, and Eberg Capital founder Roger Ehrenberg.
Golfer Rory McIlroy expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “Partnering with Otro Capital in Alpine F1 is an exhilarating venture that unites my love for sports, competition, and the relentless drive to be the best.” Travis Kelce added, “Our shared passion for excellence and innovation forms the cornerstone of this partnership.”
The Netflix Cup and the investment in Alpine’s F1 team highlight the growing crossover between sports and entertainment industries. With the popularity of sports docuseries and the increasing collaboration between athletes and media platforms, it is an exciting time for both fans and players in the sporting world.
With the event set to take place in Las Vegas, a city known for its entertainment and sporting events, the tournament is likely to draw attention from fans around the world. As Netflix continues to innovate in the realm of sports entertainment, “The Netflix Cup” promises to be a must-watch for fans of both Formula One and golf.