Rory McIlroy expresses doubts about LIV Golf’s future and comments on players returning to the PGA Tour in a recent podcast.
The Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy appeared in a 60-minute episode of the \”Stick to Football\” podcast series by the English channel ‘The Overlap’, released last Friday, where he voiced skepticism about the long-term prospects of the LIV Golf League, financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). McIlroy shared his general stance on LIV Golf, explaining his lack of personal connection to the league, and touched upon the possibility of former PGA Tour players making a return.
The five-time major champion and longstanding critic of LIV Golf since its inception in 2022 speculated that the PIF might consider shutting down the newly founded league if it fails to generate profits. McIlroy said: ‘I don’t know, but if LIV can’t engage fans and they’ve poured so much money into this project without return, I don’t know how much longer they can sustain it.’
Despite LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil announcing in late October 2025 that the league had secured nearly half a billion euros in sponsorship over the past ten months, it remains unclear when profits might be realized. The ‘Money in Sport’ newsletter projected in May 2025 that the Saudi PIF investments could reach five billion US dollars 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 US dollars between its inception and the end of 2024, with 450 million attributable to 2024 alone.
McIlroy: ‘I Dislike 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 major split. Last time on this podcast, I said I might have been too quick to judge the guys who went there, since not everyone is in the same position as I am,’ McIlroy said. He added, ‘When you’re offered twice the money for the same work, it’s hard to say no.’
McIlroy also believes LIV Golf has yet to gain lasting traction with fans and viewers but acknowledged the league has some positive aspects. Calling himself a ‘traditionalist,’ he suggested this perspective may limit his view. Nevertheless, he said: ‘They came in saying, ‘We’re going to be different, we’re going to be this, we’re going to be that.’ Even the fact they increased from 54 to 72 holes to earn world ranking points is just copying what everyone else does.’ He asked, ‘So what is different now—besides the money?’
Rory McIlroy on LIV Golf Returnees and the 2025 Ryder Cup
Regarding a possible return of former LIV players to the PGA Tour—such as Brooks Koepka after four years with LIV Golf—McIlroy remained composed: ‘I