As a deadline looms to finalize an agreement on paper, it is starting to look like a planned merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is no longer a guarantee.
Earlier this year, the golf world was turned on its head when bitter rivals in the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf announced an agreement to merge the three industry powerhouses under one umbrella. The shocking revelation was met with a great deal of positivity since it would bring an end to a feud that had divided the sport’s players and fans.
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However, not everyone was happy with the deal. Players who stayed loyal to the Tour felt betrayed by the new partnership, and the United States Congress had concerns about a consolidation of the sport funded by an arm of the Saudi Arabian government. Furthermore, PGA players would also have to approve an agreement, which added another interesting potential hurdle to a union already on a weak footing.
Now, as a deadline to complete a deal is set for Dec. 31, a merger seems to be far from guaranteed with no fresh news as we enter October. The PGA has already announced its 2024 schedule and LIV Golf is expected to do the same very soon, so major changes probably won’t happen until 2025 if a pact is finalized.
PGA Tour could cancel LIV Golf merger if it gets major US investment
While the deadline could be extended there is an interesting element now in play. Bloomberg reported last week that the PGA Tour is looking to land some major US-based investors to help ease congressional concerns about the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund — the owners of LIV GOLF — having a massive influence on an adjusted version of the industry.
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However, on Tuesday Sports Illustrated golf reporter Bob Harig offered up a very interesting scenario when it comes to the Tour getting American investment. “It could also be possible the Tour is looking for such investment in case the deal with the PIF does not materialize.”
The PGA reportedly gave in to a merger with LIV due to a realization that they would not be able to compete with the endless wealth of the Saudis long-term. However, financial backing from wealthy investors in the US could change the Tour’s thinking about a merger if it becomes no longer worth the hassle.