Rory McIlroy Continues as Global Face of GolfPass Through 2038
“Firethorn Productions” – New Media and Production Venture Between VERSANT and Rory McIlroy to Produce Original Multi-Platform Content
NEW YORK – GolfPass, part of VERSANT’s Digital Platforms & Ventures portfolio, today announced a major extension and evolution of its flagship partnership with global golf icon Rory McIlroy.
Under the agreement, which extends through 2038, Rory McIlroy will continue to serve as the global face and partner of GolfPass, reinforcing the platform’s premium positioning and its commitment to best-in-class golf experiences.
Additionally, VERSANT and Rory McIlroy will also launch “Firethorn Productions,” a new media and production label. The venture will be jointly operated by Rory’s business partners and VERSANT leadership, with a mission to produce original content and experiences that celebrate Rory’s world and the modern golf lifestyle, including;
- Documentary and long-form storytelling
- Branded commercial campaigns
- Live fan experiences and special events
- Multi-platform digital activations across GolfPass, Golf Channel, and other VERSANT properties
“Rory has been the ideal partner since the inception of GolfPass,” said Will McIntosh, President of Digital Platforms and Ventures for VERSANT. “This extension not only preserves the connection between our brand and one of the most respected athletes in the world; it unlocks entirely new paths for creativity, commerce, and fan engagement.”
“Rory’s partnership with GolfPass has always been about elevating the game and creating meaningful experiences for golfers everywhere,” said Sean O’Flaherty, Managing Director of Rory McIlroy Inc. “This next chapter deepens that mission. The launch of our new production venture and the continued alignment with GolfPass opens the door for new storytelling, new innovation, and new ways for fans to connect with Rory and the game of golf.”
Since launching in 2019, Rory’s influence has been central to GolfPass’s identity – shaping its premium instruction, entertainment offerings, and membership experience for golfers worldwide. His presence has anchored some of the platform’s most successful content and campaigns, driving both brand trust and global membership growth.
Fresh off his legacy-defining fifth major championship and completion of the career Grand Slam this past April, Rory enters this next phase at the height of his global profile. The expanded partnership ensures continued alignment between GolfPass and one of golf’s defining figures while opening new avenues for storytelling, membership growth, and multi-platform innovation. It also represents another example of VERSANT’s relationships with major sports leagues and partners, further advancing the company’s broader sports and digital strategy.
About VERSANT
VERSANT (Nasdaq: VSNT), Comcast Corporation’s planned spin-off, will be a leading independent publicly traded media company comprised of most of NBCUniversal’s cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel, along with digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass and SportsEngine. The well-capitalized company will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. The spin-off is expected to be completed in early 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions.
About GolfPass
Co-founded by global golf superstar Rory McIlroy in 2019 as a revolutionary way to consume the sport of golf through technology and digital media, GolfPass is designed for today’s golfer and is the only digital golf membership that delivers exclusive content and comprehensive tee-time benefits designed to help every type of golfer – from beginner to expert – play more and better golf. Since its launch, GolfPass members have streamed more than 100 million minutes of content on the platform, including top-flight golf instruction by world-class teachers to a variety of original entertainment. A GolfPass membership is available in North America at GolfPass.com, in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland at GolfPass.co.uk, and in Australia at www.GolfPass.com.au. The GolfPass membership also is available via connected TV, iOS and Android apps.
Media Contacts:
Erin Calhoun
SVP Communications, Entertainment & Sports
VERSANT
(917) 371-2985
Jamie Palatini
VP, Communications
USA Sports
Jamie.palatini@versantmedia.com
(908) 347-1472
