Friday, October 23, 2026

Legality of PGA Tour-Saudi Bombshell Deal Being Questioned By U.S. Senate

  • The Senate will examine the controversial deal during a hearing on Tuesday.
  • Two PGA Tour executives will testify but no one from LIV Golf will be there.
Golf bag leaning on PGA Tour signage
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The controversial alliance between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund will be laid bare on Tuesday when two Tour officials testify at a Senate hearing examining the bombshell agreement.

As part of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, the session titled “The PGA-LIV Deal: Implications for the Future of Golf and Saudi Arabia’s Influence in the United States” will look at the legality of the partnership.

Representing the PGA Tour are chief operating officer Ron Price and policy board member Jimmy Dunne — the man largely responsible for brokering the deal with PIF governor Yasir al-Rumayyan. Dunne has previously shared his side of the deal and his thoughts on the future, while Price wrote an op-ed for The Athletic asserting the deal is the best option for the PGA Tour.

The subcommittee requested al-Rumayyan and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman attend the hearing, but both declined. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan — who will return from a medical leave next week — reportedly would’ve considered testifying if the hearing was delayed. 

Price and Dunne could offer new revelations about the deal and clues toward golf’s hazy future.

PGA Tour Exec Resigns 

In the wake of the PIF deal, PGA Tour policy board member Randall Stephenson resigned, citing concerns over the tie-up with Saudi Arabia, which has a long record of human rights abuse allegations and political tensions with the U.S.

Beyond golf and the PGA Tour, the PIF’s efforts will continue with a new company dedicated entirely to sports.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

PGA Tour’s Two-Circuit Shift ‘Well Defined,’ Says Joel Dahmen

The top 20 players on the Challenger Series will be promoted.

Jon Rahm’s LIV Settlement Forfeits All Remaining Payments

Rahm earned more than $106 million in prize and bonus money with LIV.
Jul 2, 2026; Silvis, Illinois, USA; Blades Brown smiles with his caddie, Brett Swedberg, on the 9th green during the first round of the John Deere Classic golf tournament.

Teenage Phenom’s Pro ‘Gamble’ Paid Off With PGA Tour Record

The golfer turned professional in December 2024 when he was 17.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/23/26 – JJ Watt Takes CBS Chair, FIFA Rights Shake-Up, Small-Market World Series

0:00

Featured Today

Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 17, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) on the field against the Gotham FC during the first half at Audi Field.

NWSL Abandons ‘Rodman Rule’ Restrictions

All players are now eligible to receive the league’s maximum salary.
October 23, 2026

NFL’s $250K Fines for Vrabel, Sirianni, Glenn Put on Hold

The NFL continues its crackdown on unsportsmanlike conduct involving players, coaches, and officials.
October 23, 2026

Trump Questions NFL Paris Game: ‘France Is Really in Trouble’

The Saints and Steelers play Sunday at Stade de France.
Sponsored

Blake Griffin’s Plan for Media Domination

The former NBA star is building a second act across media & entertainment.
Oct 22, 2026; Milwaukee, WI, USA; The Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field during a workout session before the 2026 World Series. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
October 23, 2026

World Series Game 1 Tickets Dip but Remain on Record Pace

Game 1 remains in line to have the highest World Series get-in price.
Sep 27, 2026; Rio De Janeiro, BRA; A general overall view of Brazil and United States flags on the field during the playing of the national anthem before the 2026 NFL Rio Game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens at Maracana Stadium.
October 23, 2026

NFL’s Global Takeover Is Just Beginning

The global slate is likely to swell to 10 games—and beyond.
Former Major League Baseball Commissioner, Bud Selig, left, is introduced by Brewers broadcaster Brian Anderson at the Clinton Rose Senior Center on July 20, 2026, at a program to celebrate and honor the 755th home run of Hank Aaron from 1976. The event featured the viewing of a textile mural created by local artist, Rosy Petri.
October 23, 2026

Selig Argues for MLB Salary Cap: ‘You Have to Make Adjustments’

Selig unsuccessfully sought a cap while he was the Brewers owner.
October 22, 2026

NBC: NBA Opening Night Tip-Off Most-Watched Ever

The Sixers-Knicks game drew 7.7 million viewers.