Rory McIlroy expresses doubts on LIV Golf’s future and discusses possible returns to the PGA Tour in a recent podcast.
In a one-hour podcast episode of the \”Stick to Football\” series on the English channel ‘The Overlap’, aired last Friday, Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy voiced skepticism about the long-term future of the LIV Golf League, which is financed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). McIlroy discussed his general stance on LIV Golf and explained why he feels no personal connection to the league. He also touched on the possibility that former PGA Tour players might return to the tour.
The five-time major winner and one of LIV Golf’s fiercest critics since its inception in 2022 speculated that the PIF might consider shutting down the newly established league if it fails to generate profits in the long run. McIlroy stated: \”I don’t know, but if LIV can’t excite the audience and have invested so much money without returns, I don’t know how long they can keep it going.\”
Although LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil announced at the end of October 2025 that the league had secured approximately half a billion euros in sponsorships over the past ten months, it remains unclear when profitability will be achieved. The \”Money in Sport\” newsletter projected in May 2025 that the Saudi fund’s investment would reach five billion USD by the end of 2025. In October, it was further reported that LIV’s UK branch had already recorded a total loss of 1.1 billion USD between its launch and the end of 2024, including 450 million USD losses solely 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 huge split. Last time on this podcast, I said I might have been too hasty in judging the guys who went there, as not everyone is in the same position as I am,\” McIlroy said, adding: \”If you’re offered twice as much money for the same work, it’s hard to say no.\”
McIlroy also believes LIV Golf has so far failed to resonate sustainably with fans and viewers, although he acknowledged the league has some positive aspects. Calling himself a \”traditionalist,\” he suggested this may limit his perspective. He noted, \”They came in saying ‘We will be different, we will be this, we will be that.’ Even the fact that they switched from 54 to 72 holes to earn world ranking points is just like doing what everyone else does.\” He asked, \”So what is really different – aside from the money?\”