LIV Golf may be controversial across the sports landscape, but no shortage of recognizable stars and celebrities are endorsing the Greg Norman-led venture.
Each week the circuit has staged a U.S. event, the LIV brass has landed a local sports luminary to endorse the tournament and participate in heavy promotion.
Yes, that was none other than David "Big Papi" Ortiz touting LIV Boston last month, and Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen did the same a few weeks later for LIV Chicago. Charles Barkley had fun with the tour at LIV's New Jersey event, and even flirted with taking an official media role long-term with the outfit.
All of which leads us to LIV's team championship in Miami, beginning Oct. 28.
While Florida sports betting is not legal, we still had fun creating hypothetical odds for which athlete/celebrity with Miami ties could come center stage next weekend for LIV's final event of the calendar year.
Odds On Athlete/Celebrity To Endorse LIV Miami
Who Could It Be?
Which notable name with Miami ties could partner with the LIV event? We took stock below.
Alex Rodriguez +200
Rodriguez is no stranger to the 305, having moved there with his family when he was in fourth grade. The city witnessed his rapid rise as a teenage baseball phenom, and Rodriguez would be a popular figure for LIV to partner with in South Beach.
He's also currently covering the MLB postseason for Fox Sports, whose FS1 station will broadcast LIV events next year. Rodriguez' business prowess off-the-field also mirrors that of LIV CEO Greg Norman, so we imagine the two could have plenty of boardroom ambitions to discuss.
One potential snag? With Rodriguez now a co-owner of the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves, does he really need LIV cash?
Dwyane Wade +250
Few are more popular in Miami than Dwyane Wade, who delivered a Heat championship to the city in 2006 ... and then delivered LeBron James and Chris Bosh four years later to form the Big 3.
Wade is a certified golf nut and often plays alongside PGA Tour player Tony Finau.
While he'd be a coup for LIV, like A-Rod, he is now an NBA co-owner himself with the Utah Jazz.
Would he return to Miami just to prop up a new golf league?
Pitbull +800
Mr. 305 himself, no one is more proud of their Miami roots than musical artist Pitbull.
While it's hard to see him passing up on a showcase South Beach event, artists like The Chainsmokers, Snoop Dogg and Nelly are already confirmed to perform at LIV-backed events throughout next weekend.
Is it possible there's still a role for Pitbull to play?
Andy Garcia +1200
Maybe the most realistic option for LIV outside of NBA owners like A-Rod and D-Wade, the popular Cuban born actor grew up in Miami and is golf-obsessed in his time away from the camera, often playing in pro-ams at the PGA Tour Pebble Beach stop and the DP World Tour's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
With the "Ocean's 11" actor on the back nine of his acting career, a short stint to promote LIV in his adopted hometown could make sense.
Dan Marino +1700
Could the Dolphins' best player in franchise history make an appearance on LIV's behalf?
The Pro Football Hall of Famer has stayed quiet since leaving his CBS Sports media role in 2014, though he'd certainly be a welcome sight for Miami sports fans next weekend.
The Field +300
While these are just a few of the many possibilities to endorse LIV next weekend, plenty more famous folk have ties to Miami that could make them an attractive candidate.
Could Norman and his backers land someone as famous as Jennifer Lopez or Shakira?
Perhaps former Univ. of Miami and Dolphins head coach Jimmy Johnson?
Only time will tell.
