Disc Golf Takes Center Stage on ESPN2 in Historic Broadcast Deal

In a groundbreaking partnership, the Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) is set to make its debut on the world-renowned sports network, ESPN2. The deal, which was finalized in late May, will bring high-level disc golf competition to millions of viewers across the United States. The first event to be broadcast will be the Portland Open presented by Dynamic Discs, a 2-hour feature that will air on August 4, 2021, at 8 PM ET.

The partnership between the DGPT and ESPN has been in development since the offseason, with discussions ongoing for several months. According to Jeff Spring, CEO & Director of the DGPT, "We've continued to develop a strengthening relationship with the team at ESPN, and we're excited to offer their 'worldwide leader in sports' programming that features the highest level of disc golf competition in the world."

The Disc Golf Pro Tour has received Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) Elite Series designation, solidifying its position as one of the top professional tours in the sport. The tour's partnership with ESPN is a significant step forward for disc golf, which has long been seeking increased exposure and recognition.

Dynamic Discs, a familiar partner to the DGPT, will provide support for the Portland Open production. "We knew we could count on their support to get this year's slate of shows off the ground," said Spring. Jeremy Rusco, owner and founder of Dynamic Discs, added, "This type of exposure only serves to help bolster the continued growth of the sport."

The broadcast will be produced by The Disc Golf Network, who also handled production for ESPN2 in 2020. Joe Canali from Bluefoot Entertainment will serve as lead editor, while JomezPro, Gatekeeper Media, and GK Pro will contribute to the broadcast.

According to Spring, this partnership demonstrates that disc golf is a valuable asset for national broadcasting. "This contract shows that disc golf is not just a filler for a lack of pandemic-era sports programming but instead a significant draw with compelling content," he said. With the ESPN programming schedule busier than ever, the DGPT's inclusion in 2021 broadcasts marks an exciting milestone for the sport.

The partnership between the DGPT and ESPN will bring increased exposure to disc golf, potentially paving the way for further growth and recognition of the sport. As Spring noted, "This is a significant step forward for disc golf on a national level."

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/dgpt-announces-contract-espn2