Rory McIlroy expresses doubts in a podcast about the future of LIV Golf and discusses players returning to the PGA Tour.
In a podcast episode exceeding 60 minutes from the English channel ‘The Overlap’s’ series ‘Stick to Football’, Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy voiced skepticism about the long-term future of the LIV Golf League, which is funded by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). McIlroy shared his fundamental 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, known as one of LIV Golf’s sharpest critics since its 2022 inception, speculated that the PIF might consider shutting down the league if it fails to turn a profit in the long run. McIlroy said, ‘I don’t know, but if LIV can’t excite viewers and they have invested so much money in this project without it paying off, I don’t know how much longer they can sustain it.’
Although LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil announced in late October 2025 that the league had generated around half a billion euros in sponsorship revenue in the past ten months, it remains unclear when profits might be realized. The newsletter ‘Money in Sport’ projected in May 2025 that PIF’s investments would grow to 5 billion USD by the end of 2025. Additionally, it was revealed in October that the league’s UK branch had already posted a total loss of 1.1 billion USD between its launch and the end of 2024, including 450 million USD 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 split. Last time on this podcast, I admitted I might have been too quick to judge the guys who went there, as not everyone is in the same position as me,’ McIlroy said, adding, ‘When you’re offered double the money to do the same work, it’s kind of hard to say no.’
McIlroy 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 suspects this may limit his perspective. He remarked, ‘They came in saying, ‘We will be different, we will be this, we will be that.’ Even changing from 54 to 72 holes to earn world ranking points is basically just copying what others do.’ He further questioned, ‘So what’s really different—besides the money?’
Rory McIlroy on LIV Golf Returnees and the 2025 Ryder Cup
Regarding the possible return of former LIV players to the PGA Tour—like Brooks Koepka, who returned after four years—McIlroy was composed: ‘I think