A former executive with the reigning NFL Super Bowl champions is taking his talents to golf.
On Thursday morning another executive was announced by LIV Golf Investments, the new golf entity backed by the Public Investment Fund which operates on behalf of the government of Saudi Arabia.
Atul Khosla, who most recently served as the chief corporate development and brand officer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will be the company’s new chief operating officer. During his time in Tampa Khosla was responsible for everything from corporate partnerships and event production to game day entertainment, community impact and digital and media rights. Atul was also COO of the MLS soccer club, Chicago Fire.
“We have an incredible opportunity to create a unique new platform that elevates the game of golf for all professional players and engages golf fans across the world,” said Khosla via a release. “I look forward to being a part of the LIV Golf Investments team to help bring this vision to life and transform the game into an international sport.”
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“The strategic experience Atul brings from his recent leadership positions at a major sports franchise will enable us to execute on our vision of holistically improving and elevating the game of golf around the world,” added LIV Golf Investments CEO Greg Norman. “His appointment is yet another example of our dedication to bringing best-in-class talent to help us deliver our mission of growing the game of golf.”
No players have committed to play for the new venture, largely criticized as a way for the Saudi government to “sportswash” its controversial human rights record. According to LIV Golf, the PIF is its majority shareholder and is, “one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds with a diverse international investment portfolio. The fund’s chairman is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the son of Saudi Arabia’s king.
Despite the lack of player support at this time, LIV Golf Investments is putting together a C-suite of industry executives with deep experience.
Will Staeger, who has worked with sports brands like ESPN and WWE, is the group’s new chief media officer. Former PGA Tour rules official Slugger White joined as vice president of rules & competition management. Sean Bratches, also a former ESPN executive, was appointed as chief commercial officer. Ron Cross, who spent 30 years between the PGA Tour and Augusta National, is the chief events officer.
The new golf venture has previously announced its intention to begin competition in the spring of 2022.