NEW DELHI — Rory McIlroy has announced a multiyear global partnership with DP World less than two weeks after TMRW Sports renewed its U.S. media rights deal with ESPN, with the six-time major champion set to tee off Thursday at the DP World India Championship at Delhi Golf Club. The tournament runs Oct. 15-18 in New Delhi and offers a $4 million purse.
McIlroy and DP World announced the agreement Tuesday in New Delhi. McIlroy becomes a global ambassador for DP World, the logistics and supply chain company, while DP World becomes his exclusive partner in logistics and supply chain worldwide. The deal includes two personalized fitness and recovery trailers that will travel with McIlroy on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, with DP World managing collection, customs clearance, storage and delivery. Each trailer includes strength and cardio equipment, an infrared sauna, a cold plunge and a Hyperice recovery station. "When you're competing around the world, consistency really matters," McIlroy said in a DP World news release, adding that a familiar weekly setup lets him and his team focus on preparing and performing. DP World Group CEO Yuvraj Narayan called the deal a natural fit. DP World's sports partners also include the DP World Tour, McLaren F1, SailGP and the Ryder Cup.
The announcement follows ESPN and TMRW Sports announcing a multi-year extension of their U.S. media rights agreement on Oct. 1. Financial terms were not disclosed. The previous two-year agreement ran through TGL's 2026 season. McIlroy co-founded TMRW Sports with Tiger Woods and sports executive Mike McCarley. The company created TGL, the indoor team golf league, and is also launching WTGL, a women's team golf league created with the LPGA.
The 37-year-old made his India debut at last year's inaugural DP World India Championship. Tommy Fleetwood won that tournament and returns as the defending champion. McIlroy, a seven-time Race to Dubai champion, trails Patrick Reed in this year's standings.
McIlroy will also play the Cathedral Invitational in Australia in December, an event that benefits the foundation of Adam Scott. "I'm going to play the Cathedral Invitational, which benefits Adam Scott's foundation," McIlroy told Golf Australia, noting he will stay in Australia for a couple of days after the Australian Open. The Australian Open runs Dec. 3-6 at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, while the Cathedral Invitational is set for Dec. 10 at Cathedral Lodge and Golf Club in Victoria. The mixed event was founded in 2022 and spans 36 holes, with McIlroy expected to play 18 holes. The event comes before the 2027 PGA Tour season, which begins Jan. 21 at The American Express in California.