Cooper Flagg and the Duke Blue Devils represent a major draw in college basketball, making their frequent appearances in ESPN’s prime weeknight time slots unsurprising. Monday’s matchup against in-state rival NC State was set for 8:30 p.m. ET as part of ESPN’s Big Monday. However, viewers tuning in found Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy competing in the new simulator golf league, TGL.
That TGL match, featuring the league’s founders, was a close contest, even reaching overtime—the first in the league’s history. Unfortunately for college basketball fans, this meant the game between Duke and NC State was pushed to ESPNU due to the extended TGL broadcast. Prominent college basketball reporter Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision, tweeting: “I’ve never played Golf. So why is it on my TV INSTEAD OF DUKE-NC STATE?! ‘Inconceivable.’ – Vizzini, The Princess Bride, circa 1987.”
I’ve never played Golf.
So why is it on my TV INSTEAD OF DUKE-NC STATE?!
“Inconceivable.” – Vizzini, The Princess Bride, circa 1987
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) January 28, 2025
For hoops fans, the preemption was surely shocking, especially since it was only TGL’s fourth match and many had yet to hear of the league. Yet, with TGL regularly airing on Monday and Tuesday nights, viewers might become more familiar with it. For now, ESPN’s preference for TGL over Duke basketball is justified: in TGL’s opening match earlier this month, the league increased ESPN’s audience by 22% compared to a lead-in from Duke. The following week, the TGL match served as a lead-in for a Duke game, drawing 70% more viewers than the Blue Devils. Overall, TGL has been outpacing comparable college basketball broadcasts by 50% this season.
I’ve never played Golf.
I’ve never had a glass of wine.
I’ve never had a cup of coffee.
I’ve never been to Hawaii.
I’m 41.
I don’t intend to start now! https://t.co/dP9ceiaA1H
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) January 28, 2025
While the clash between simulator golf and college basketball may seem unusual, ESPN’s strategy has its reasoning. Jon Rothstein and others will just need to adapt to the occasional tip-off on ESPNU.
