Rory McIlroy expresses doubts about LIV Golf’s future and discusses former players returning to the PGA Tour in a recent podcast.
In a podcast episode of the series ‘Stick to Football’ on the English channel ‘The Overlap,’ released last Friday, Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy voiced skepticism about the long-term prospects of the LIV Golf League, which is funded by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). McIlroy shared his general stance on LIV Golf and explained why he personally does not relate to the league. He also touched on the possibility of former PGA Tour players returning.
The five-time major champion and outspoken critic of LIV Golf since its inception in 2022 speculated that the PIF might consider shutting down the league entirely if it proves unprofitable in the long run. McIlroy said, ‘I don’t know, but if LIV can’t excite the fans, and they’ve invested so much money into this project without returns, I don’t know how long they can sustain it.’
Although LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil revealed in late October 2025 that the league had secured around half a billion euros in sponsorships over the past ten months, it remains unclear when the league might turn a profit. The ‘Money in Sport’ newsletter predicted in May 2025 that PIF investments would grow to $5 billion by the end of 2025. Later that October, it was reported that LIV Golf UK had incurred a total loss of $1.1 billion between launch and the end of 2024, including $450 million in 2024 alone.
McIlroy: ‘I Don’t Like What LIV Golf Has Done to Our Sport’
‘I don’t like what LIV Golf has done to our sport because it has caused a massive divide. Last time on this podcast, I admitted I might have been too quick to judge the players who went there because not everyone is in the same position as I am,’ McIlroy said. He added, ‘When you’re offered double the money for the same work, it’s hard to say no.’
McIlroy believes LIV Golf has yet to gain sustained support from fans and viewers but acknowledged that the league offers some positive elements. Calling himself a ‘traditionalist,’ he admitted this might limit his perspective. He said, ‘They came in saying, \”We will be different, we will be this, we will be that.\” Even switching from 54 to 72 holes to earn world ranking points is just doing what everyone else does. So what is actually different—aside from the money?’
Rory McIlroy on LIV Player Returns and the 2025 Ryder Cup
Regarding the potential return of former LIV Golf players to the PGA Tour, such as Brooks Koepka after four years with LIV Golf, McIlroy remained composed: ‘I think they have already faced the consequences,’ he said. ‘Yes, they made a lot of money, but they also paid