LIV Golf has joined a group of its players — including Phil Mickelson — in an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour, according to an amended complaint obtained by Front Office Sports.
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the upstart series is further escalating a bitter struggle for the hearts, minds, and wallets of golf fans.
In August, 11 LIV players sued the PGA Tour, alleging their Tour suspensions are part of a “carefully orchestrated plan to defeat” the controversial new league.
- The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
- LIV is seeking punitive damages against the PGA Tour.
- LIV Golf believes PGA players are “independent contractors but are denied independence.”
- A trial date has been scheduled for Jan. 8, 2024.
Earlier this month, three-time PGA Tour winner and current LIV Golf pro Pat Perez told Sports Illustrated that he intends to withdraw as one of the plaintiffs, citing “no ill feelings toward the PGA Tour or any of the players.” Perez originally joined the suit in solidarity with LIV Golf.
Abraham Ancer, Carlos Ortiz, and Jason Kokrak have also dropped out of the antitrust suit.
Here to Compete
The PGA Tour is set to make changes to compete with LIV Golf and prevent more talent from defecting from golf’s original pro tour.
PGA commissioner Jay Monahan announced changes including the elevation of four events within the FedEx Cup, which will now have an average purse of $20 million.
