Rory McIlroy expresses doubts about LIV Golf’s future in a podcast and discusses former players returning to the PGA Tour.
In a podcast episode of the \”Stick to Football\” series by the English channel ‘The Overlap‘, Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy voiced skepticism about the long-term future of the LIV Golf League, financed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). McIlroy spoke about his general stance on LIV Golf and explained his lack of personal connection to the league, also addressing the possibility of former PGA Tour players returning.
The five-time major winner and prominent LIV Golf critic since its 2022 inception speculated that the PIF might consider shutting down the newly founded league if it fails to become profitable long-term. McIlroy said, \”I don’t know, but if LIV can’t captivate the audience and they’ve invested so much money without returns, I don’t know how long they can sustain it.\”
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil announced in late October 2025 that the league had secured about half a billion euros in sponsorships over the previous ten months, but when profits might be realized remains unclear. The \”Money in Sport\” newsletter forecasted in May 2025 that PIF’s investments could reach five billion USD by the end of 2025. In October, the league’s UK branch reported a total loss of 1.1 billion USD between launch and 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 to our sport because it has caused massive division. I said last time on this podcast I might have been too quick to judge the guys who went there, as not everyone is in the same situation as me,\” McIlroy said, adding, \”If you are offered double the money for the same work, it’s pretty hard to say no.\”
McIlroy believes LIV Golf has yet to find sustainable appeal with fans and viewers but acknowledged some positive elements. Calling himself a \”traditionalist,\” he suggested this might limit his perspective. He added, \”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 feels like just doing what everyone else does. So what’s different—besides the money?\”
Rory McIlroy on LIV Golf Returnees and the 2025 Ryder Cup
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