Rory McIlroy expresses doubts about LIV Golf’s future and discusses possible returns to the PGA Tour in a podcast.
Northern Irish star Rory McIlroy voiced skepticism about the long-term prospects of the LIV Golf League during a 60-minute episode of the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast series on the English channel The Overlap released on Friday. Funded by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), LIV Golf has been a controversial new entrant in professional golf. McIlroy discussed his fundamental stance on LIV and why he does not have a personal connection to the league. He also touched on the possibility of former PGA Tour players returning.
The five-time major champion and one of LIV Golf’s most vocal critics 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 viewers and given how much money has been poured into the project without returns, I don’t know how much longer they can sustain it.’
Despite LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil revealing in late October 2025 that the league had secured nearly half a billion euros in sponsorships over the past ten months, the timeline for achieving profitability remains uncertain. The ‘Money in Sport’ newsletter forecasted in May 2025 that PIF’s investments would reach $5 billion by the end of the year. Furthermore, it was reported in October that LIV’s UK branch accumulated a total loss of $1.1 billion from its launch through 2024, with $450 million lost in 2024 alone.
McIlroy: ‘I Dislike What LIV Golf Has Done to Our Sport’
‘I dislike what LIV Golf has done to our game because it has 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 since not everyone’s situation is the same as mine,’ McIlroy said, adding, ‘If you’re offered double the money for the same work, it’s hard to say no.’
McIlroy believes LIV Golf has not yet resonated sustainably with fans and viewers but acknowledged the league has some positive elements. Calling himself a ‘traditionalist,’ he suggested this mindset may limit his perspective. Nevertheless, he noted, ‘They came in saying \”we’ll be different, we’ll be this, we’ll be that.\” Even switching from 54 to 72 holes to gain world ranking