LIV Golf insists it’s still hanging on. But is there a fight left it can win?
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Scott O’Neil, LIV Golf’s CEO and former executive with the Philadelphia 76ers and Madison Square Garden, announced he has secured a lead investor to keep LIV Golf operational beyond 2026, though financial details remain undisclosed.
- Despite recent tournament cancellations and key players like Lucas Herbert considering a PGA Tour return, O’Neil remains optimistic about LIV’s future, emphasizing a player-majority ownership model unprecedented in sports.
- LIV Golf faces significant challenges after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew its massive financial backing, forcing the league to seek smaller-scale investors and raising doubts about its long-term viability.
- Retaining star players Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm is critical for LIV’s survival, as their potential departures could severely diminish the league’s presence, especially in the U.S. market.
- O’Neil compares his current efforts with LIV to his previous experience managing rebuilding projects, urging not to count the league out despite uncertainties around funding, world-ranking points, and player commitments.
