Rory McIlroy shares doubts about LIV Golf’s long-term future and discusses possible returns to the PGA Tour in a recent podcast.
In a more than 60-minute episode of the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast series on the English channel The Overlap, Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy expressed skepticism about the sustainability of the LIV Golf League, which is funded by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). McIlroy explained his general stance on LIV Golf and why he has no personal connection to the league. He also addressed the possibility of former PGA Tour players returning.
The five-time major winner and one of LIV Golf’s sharpest critics since its 2022 inception suggested that the PIF might consider shutting down the newly formed league if it fails to turn a profit in the long run. McIlroy stated, \”I don’t know, but if LIV can’t excite the fans and they’ve invested so much money without a return, I don’t know how long they can keep it going.\”
Although LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil announced at the end of October 2025 that the league had secured roughly half a billion euros in sponsorships over the past ten months, it remains unclear when it might become profitable. The newsletter \”Money in Sport\” projected in May 2025 that the PIF’s investments would reach five billion US dollars by the end of 2025. In October, it was 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 to our sport because it has caused a huge divide. Last time on this podcast, I mentioned I might have been a bit too quick to judge the guys who went there because not everyone is in the same position I am,\” McIlroy said, adding, \”When you’re offered double the money for the same work, it’s kind of hard to say no.\”
McIlroy believes LIV Golf hasn’t yet gained lasting appeal among fans and viewers but acknowledged the league does have some positive elements. He described himself as a \”traditionalist\” and suspected this influences his mindset. He remarked, \”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 is just doing what everyone else