Rory McIlroy voices doubts about LIV Golf’s future and discusses former players returning to the PGA Tour in a recent podcast.
In a more than 60-minute episode of the podcast series ‘Stick to Football’ on the English channel The Overlap, released Friday, Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy shared his skepticism about the long-term future of the LIV Golf League, which is financed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). McIlroy discussed his fundamental stance on LIV Golf and explained why he feels no personal connection to the league. He also touched on the possibility of former PGA Tour players returning.
The five-time major winner and longstanding critic of LIV Golf since its 2022 inception suggested 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 audience, and they have invested so much money without returns, I don’t know how much longer they can sustain it.’
Despite LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil announcing in late October 2025 that the league had secured around half a billion euros in sponsorship over the past ten months, it remains unclear when profits might be achieved. The ‘Money in Sport’ newsletter forecasted in May 2025 that PIF’s investments would reach five billion US dollars by the end of 2025. Additionally, it was revealed in October that LIV’s UK branch had reported a total loss of 1.1 billion US dollars between its launch and end of 2024, with 450 million US dollars lost 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 huge divide. Last time on this podcast I said I may have been too quick to judge the guys who went there, as not everyone is in the same position as I am,’ McIlroy said. ‘If you’re offered twice the money for the same work, it’s kind of hard to say no.’
McIlroy believes LIV Golf has yet to gain lasting appeal among fans and viewers, though he acknowledged the league has some positive aspects. Identifying as a ‘traditionalist’, he suggested this influences his perspective. He added, ‘They came in and said, ”
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“We will be different, we will be this, we will be that.”
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“Even the fact that they’ve shifted from 54 to 72 holes to get world ranking points is just like doing what everyone else does.’ And he continued: ‘So, what’s really different — besides the money?’
Rory McIlroy on LIV Golf Returnees and Ryder Cup 2025
On the topic of former LIV players