Thursday, August 6, 2026

Woods Turns Down LIV Golf, Mickelson Joins

  • Woods turned down a “mind-blowingly enormous” offer.
  • Mickelson will play in LIV’s first event in London, which begins June 9.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Two golf legends have made their positions on the controversial LIV Golf series very clear.

In an interview with the Washington Post, LIV CEO Greg Norman said that Tiger Woods turned down a “mind-blowingly enormous” offer in the “high nine digits” to join the Saudi-backed venture.

Then on Monday, LIV announced that Phil Mickelson will play in LIV’s first event in London, which begins June 9 — ending months of speculation as to whether the six-time major champion would bolt for the new series.

In a statement, Mickelson called LIV “transformative, not just for myself, but ideally for the game and my peers.” He also said he intends to keep playing in majors, implying he will be in the field for the U.S. Open, which begins June 16.

Woods, who has made an estimated $1.7 billion over his career between winnings and endorsements, has played in the last two majors upon returning from a near-fatal car crash in February 2021.

Dustin Johnson — the most high-profile name in LIV besides Mickelson — was reportedly paid $125 million to join the upstart golf league.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aug 6, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; Bryson DeChambeau points right after his tee shot on the first tee during the first round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.

7 Burning Questions for LIV Golf Amid Claim of New Funding

Private equity firm BC Partners is reportedly exploring a deal with LIV.
Golf - LIV Golf - United Kingdom - JCB Golf and Country Club, Uttoxeter, Britain - July 24, 2026 Crushers GC's Bryson DeChambeau in action as he hits a tee shot on the fourth hole during the second round

Bryson DeChambeau’s Agency Denies Role in LIV Rescue Deal

BC Partners is reportedly exploring a deal with LIV.

LIV Golf Says New Lead Investor Signed, but Big Questions Remain

LIV had been seeking to raise as much as $350 million.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/6/26 – LIV’s Funding Promise, Disney Sells Out Super Bowl, Inside Tom Brady’s CardVault

0:00

Featured Today

Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
August 6, 2026

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action
August 5, 2026

India Is Stealing Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
WPBL
July 30, 2026

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
Tom's Watch Bar
July 17, 2026

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Eastlake’s Julian Williams (3) runs the ball during a District 1-6A high school football game against Pebble Hills on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at SAC 1 in El Paso, Texas.

Texas Heat Rules Reshape High School Football Practices

Smaller programs may lack the facilities and trainers to adapt.
Jul 12, 2026; London, United Kingdom; Jannik Sinner (ITA) serves against Alexander Zverev (GER) (not pictured) in the gentlemen's singles final of The Championships Wimbledon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
August 3, 2026

Star Withdrawals Test the Value of Tennis’s Masters Events

The Canadian Open is missing tennis’s biggest stars once again.
Dec 28, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum (3) dribbles the ball past Philadelphia 76ers forward JJ Redick (17) and guard Ben Simmons (25) during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. The Blazers won 114-110. Mandatory Credit:
August 4, 2026

Why Pro Athletes Are Saying Their Big Contracts Weren’t So Big

“I think people should listen, because they’re telling the truth,” Chris Bosh told FOS.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
Aug 31, 2023; Flushing, NY, USA; John Isner of the United States is interviewed on court after his second round match against Michael Mmoh of the United States on day four of the 2023 U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
July 31, 2026

Former Tennis Pro on Influencers at Big Events: ‘Done a Lot for the Sport’

John Isner says there’s upside to content creators’ presence at Grand Slams.
July 30, 2026

LeBron Could Make Sixers’ Expiring Jersey Patch a Premium Asset

Philly’s deal with Crypto.com expires in 2027. 
Marques Colston
July 30, 2026

Marques Colston: Why Everyone Is Buying Into Soccer Clubs

Colston’s The Champion Fund invested in Ipswich Town.
Jan 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) celebrates his goal scored against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at Crypto.com Arena
July 29, 2026

Macklin Celebrini Contract Extension Sets New NHL Salary Mark

The Sharks locked up their young phenom at a record AAV.