Rory McIlroy expresses doubts about LIV Golf’s future and discusses players returning to the PGA Tour in a recent podcast.
In a podcast episode of the series ‘Stick to Football’ on the English channel ‘The Overlap’, Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy expressed skepticism about the long-term future of the LIV Golf league, which is financed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). McIlroy discussed his general stance on LIV Golf and why he does not have a personal connection to the league. He also touched on the possibility of former PGA Tour players returning to the tour.
The five-time major winner and one of LIV Golf’s fiercest critics since its inception in 2022 suggested that the PIF might consider shutting down the newly established league if it fails to generate profits in the long run. McIlroy said: ‘I don’t know, but if LIV can’t attract viewers and they have invested so much money into this project without payoff, I don’t know how long they can sustain it.’
Despite LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil announcing in late October 2025 that the league has secured about half a billion euros in sponsorship funds over the past ten months, it remains unclear when the league might become profitable. The ‘Money in Sport’ newsletter projected in May 2025 that PIF’s investments could grow to five billion US dollars by the end of 2025. Later, it was revealed that the league’s UK branch reported a total loss of 1.1 billion US dollars between its launch and the end of 2024, with 450 million US dollars accounted for 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 massive divide. I said last time on this podcast that perhaps I was too quick to judge the guys who went there because not everyone is in the same position as me,’ McIlroy said, adding: ‘When you are offered double the money for the same work, it’s kind of hard to say no.’
At the same time, McIlroy believes LIV Golf has so far failed to gain lasting appeal among fans and viewers, although he acknowledged the league has some positive aspects. He described himself as a traditionalist, which he suspects restricts his thinking. Nevertheless, he said: ‘They came in saying, \”We will be different, we will be this, we will be that.\” Even the fact they have now switched from 54 to 72 holes to earn world ranking points is basically doing what everyone else does.’ He added: ‘So, what’s really different apart from the money?’
Rory McIlroy on LIV Golf Returnees and the 2025 Ryder Cup
Regarding the possible return of former LIV players to the PGA Tour—such as Brooks Koepka after four years with LIV—McIlroy remained composed: