Rory McIlroy expresses doubts about LIV Golf’s future and comments on players returning to the PGA Tour in a recent podcast.
In a podcast episode of the English channel ‘The Overlap’s’ series ‘Stick to Football’ released last Friday, Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy shared his skepticism about the long-term prospects of the LIV Golf League, which is funded by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). McIlroy discussed his general stance toward LIV Golf and explained why he has no personal connection to the league. He also touched on the possibility of former PGA Tour players returning to the circuit.
The five-time major winner and longtime critic of LIV Golf since its 2022 inception speculated that the PIF might consider shutting down the league if it fails to generate profits in the long run. McIlroy said, ‘I don’t know, but if LIV can’t excite the fans and they’ve put so much money into 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 secured about half a billion euros in sponsorship funds over the past ten months, it remains unclear when it might become profitable. The ‘Money in Sport’ newsletter forecasted in May 2025 that PIF’s investments would reach $5 billion by the end of 2025. In October, it was revealed that LIV’s UK branch recorded a total loss of $1.1 billion between its launch and the end of 2024, with $450 million lost in 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 caused a massive split. Last time on this podcast, I said I might have been a bit too quick to judge the guys 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 kind of hard to say no.’
McIlroy believes LIV Golf has yet to find lasting appeal with fans and viewers but acknowledged the league has some positive aspects. Calling himself a ‘traditionalist,’ he suggested this might limit his perspective. He said, ‘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 doing