Rory McIlroy expresses doubts about LIV Golf’s future and discusses potential player returns to the PGA Tour in a recent podcast.
Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy spoke in a 60-minute episode of the podcast series ‘Stick to Football’ by the English channel The Overlap, released on Friday, casting doubt on the long-term future of the LIV Golf League, which is financed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). McIlroy explained his fundamental stance on LIV Golf and why he has no personal connection to the league, also addressing the possibility that former PGA Tour players might return.
The five-time major winner and long-standing critic of LIV Golf since its 2022 inception suggested that PIF might consider shutting down the league if it fails to turn a profit long-term. McIlroy stated, ‘I don’t know, but if LIV can’t excite the audience and they’ve invested so much money without returns, 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 generated roughly half a billion euros in sponsorships over the previous ten months, when profits may be realized remains unclear. The newsletter ‘Money in Sport’ predicted in May 2025 that PIF’s investments could reach five billion USD by the end of that year. By October, reports showed the league’s UK branch incurred losses totaling 1.1 billion USD since its inception through 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 massive split. I admitted before that I might have been too quick to judge those who went there, as not everyone is in the same position as me,’ McIlroy said. He added, ‘When you are offered double the money for the same work, it’s hard to say no.’
McIlroy also believes LIV Golf has yet to find lasting appeal with fans and viewers but admitted the league has some positive features. Identifying as a ‘traditionalist’, he suggested this perspective may limit his view. He noted, ‘They came in saying they’d be different – but even changing from 54 to 72 holes to gain world ranking points means they’re just copying others. What’s really different now, apart from the money?’
Rory McIlroy on LIV Golf Returnees and the 2025 Ryder Cup
Regarding former LIV players