Rory McIlroy voices doubts about LIV Golf’s future and discusses possible returns to the PGA Tour in a recent podcast.
Northern Irish star Rory McIlroy expressed skepticism about the long-term future of the LIV Golf League during a more than 60-minute episode of the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast series on the English channel ‘The Overlap‘, released Friday. The league is funded by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). McIlroy shared his general stance on LIV Golf and explained why he has no personal connection to the league. He also addressed the possibility of former PGA Tour players returning.
The five-time major winner and one of LIV Golf’s sharpest critics since its 2022 inception suggested that PIF might consider ending the league if it fails to turn a profit in the long run. McIlroy stated, ‘I don’t know, but if LIV can’t capture the audience’s interest and they have invested so much money without returns, I don’t know how long they can sustain it.’
Despite LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil announcing in late October 2025 that the league had secured approximately half a billion euros in sponsorship during the past ten months, when profits might be realized remains unclear. The ‘Money in Sport’ newsletter forecasted in May 2025 that PIF’s investments could reach five billion USD by the end of 2025. Additionally, in October it was revealed that the league’s UK branch recorded a total loss of 1.1 billion USD between its start and the end of 2024, with 450 million USD alone in 2024.
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 said I might have been too quick to judge the guys who went there because not everyone is in the same position I am,’ McIlroy said, adding, ‘When you are offered double the money for the same work, it’s hard to say no.’
He also believes LIV Golf has yet to gain lasting support from fans and viewers but acknowledged the league has some positive aspects. Describing himself as a ‘traditionalist,’ McIlroy suspects this limits his thinking. Nevertheless, he noted, ‘They came in saying,