Rory McIlroy voices doubts about LIV Golf’s future and discusses potential returns to the PGA Tour in a podcast.
In a more than 60-minute episode of the podcast series ‘Stick to Football’ on the English channel The Overlap, Northern Irish star Rory McIlroy expressed skepticism about the long-term future of the LIV Golf League, which is funded by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). In the podcast, McIlroy shared his general stance towards LIV Golf and explained why he feels no personal connection to the league while also addressing the possibility of former PGA Tour players returning.
The five-time major winner, one of LIV Golf’s staunchest critics since its 2022 inception, speculated that the PIF might consider shutting down the newly founded league if it fails to generate profits. McIlroy stated, ‘I don’t know, but if LIV can’t excite fans and they’ve invested so much money without returns, I don’t know how long they can keep it up.’
Although LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil announced in late October 2025 that the league received around half a billion euros in sponsorships over the past ten months, it remains unclear when profitability will be achieved. The ‘Money in Sport’ newsletter predicted in May 2025 that PIF investments would reach five billion USD by the end of 2025. In October, it was also reported that the league’s UK branch had recorded 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 because it caused a massive split. Last time on this podcast, I said maybe I judged the guys who went there too quickly because not everyone is in my position,’ McIlroy said, adding, ‘It’s difficult to say no when you’re offered double the money for the same work.’
McIlroy believes LIV Golf has yet to gain lasting appeal with fans, though he acknowledges positive elements within the league. Calling himself a ‘traditionalist,’ he suspects that influences his views. He also pointed out that LIV switched from 54 to 72 holes to earn world ranking points, essentially doing what all others do. He asked, ‘What’s different now—besides the money?’
Rory McIlroy on LIV Players’ Returns and Ryder Cup 2025
Regarding the possible return of former LIV players to the PGA Tour—like Brooks Koepka who recently rejoined after four years—McIlroy remained calm: ‘I think they’ve