Staff WriterLIV Golf has made another headline-grabbing move, appointing veteran sports executive Chris Heck as President of Business Operations, reporting directly to CEO Scott O’Neil.
Heck’s appointment signals a calculated push to bolster the global reach and commercial might of the world’s first truly international golf league.
A well-known name in the business of sport, Heck has spent more than three decades turning sports properties into commercial powerhouses.
His track record reads like a highlight reel: he’s been the President of English Premier League’s Aston Villa FC, the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, and Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls, each time delivering record-breaking growth and forging lasting connections with fans and partners.
“Chris Heck brings a commercial mindset, the proven ability to attract, retain and develop talented executives, and a consistent and proven track record of driving exponential growth to the businesses he leads.
These qualities and his approach will continue to move us closer to the extraordinary vision of His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan,” said Scott O’Neil, LIV Golf CEO.
“Chris’ passion to elevate brands, engage corporate partners, deliver authentic fan and brand engagement with global impact, and a drive towards innovation will ensure we continue on a strong growth trajectory for our league and teams.”
Heck is no stranger to turning ambition into results. At Aston Villa, he doubled commercial revenue in just two years, sending the club’s valuation soaring by nearly 20%.
His nearly decade-long stint with the Philadelphia 76ers saw the NBA franchise’s value jump by more than $2.5 billion while turning home games into sell-out affairs for over 200 consecutive matches.
Prior to that, he was instrumental in planning and launching Red Bull Arena for the MLS’ New York Red Bulls, setting new standards for stadium experiences.
Now, he’s bringing that same commercial firepower to LIV Golf. “I am deeply honoured to join LIV Golf during this important moment for the league, and to support a global leader in golf devoted to expanding the game’s reach to new communities across the world through the leadership of His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan,” said Heck.
“LIV Golf represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redefine the global golf landscape with dynamic athletes, immersive events, and a commitment to growth, accessibility, and innovation.”
Heck officially steps into his new role on June 16, 2025, but he’s already warming up for the challenge, attending this week’s LIV Golf Virginia event at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville.
The event sets the stage for next week’s U.S. Open at Oakmont, where 14 LIV Golf players will compete.
This appointment comes on the heels of LIV Golf’s recent blitz of new broadcast partnerships, now beaming to 874 million households in over 120 countries thanks to deals with FOX, ITV, DAZN, and KC Global Media.
Add to that a growing roster of blue-chip sponsors—Porsche, TikTok, Callaway, Aramco, and Salesforce, to name just a few—and it’s clear that LIV Golf isn’t just playing for keeps; it’s rewriting the playbook.
The league has also leaned into the festival feel, mixing golf’s best with live music that would make Glastonbury jealous.
Dom Dolla, G-Dragon, Backstreet Boys, and Vance Joy have already rocked LIV Golf events this year, with more acts set to be unveiled as the 2025 season barrels ahead.
LIV’s impact isn’t confined to the fairways and festival stages. The league has teamed up with more than 30 not-for-profit groups around the globe this year, giving over a thousand under-represented kids the chance to tee it up and learn life skills.
And as LIV Golf’s 14-tournament season crisscrosses nine countries and four continents, the numbers show that over 30% of fans are experiencing professional golf for the first time—proof that the league’s mission to expand the game is more than just talk.
For Chris Heck and LIV Golf, it’s a time to double down on their global ambitions.
And with the game’s landscape shifting faster than a downhill putt at Augusta, Heck’s knack for turning vision into real-world results may be just what LIV Golf needs to keep rolling.
