Mickelson May Drop Out of Lawsuit Against PGA Tour

Phil Mickelson is reportedly giving serious consideration to removing himself from an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour.

The six-time major champion and 10 other golfers alleged that the PGA Tour wrongly banned them for competing in LIV Golf events — alleging their suspensions are part of a “carefully orchestrated plan to defeat” LIV.

Backed by the Public Investment Fund — Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund — LIV has seen many of its players suspended from PGA Tour events. 

“Now that LIV is involved, it’s not necessary for me to be involved,” Mickelson said. 

• In August, LIV joined the lawsuit, according to an amended complaint obtained by Front Office Sports.
• LIV Golf stated that PGA Tour players are “independent contractors but are denied independence.” 
• A trial date has been scheduled for Jan. 8, 2024.

Mickelson wouldn’t be the only LIV player to distance themselves from the lawsuit. 

In August, three-time PGA Tour winner Pat Perez removed his name as one of the 11 plaintiffs. Perez told Sports Illustrated that he joined the case out of solidarity to LIV golfers but doesn’t “feel any need to go after the PGA Tour.”

Drawing Interest

LIV is generating “enormous” interest from potential U.S. broadcasters, according to its CEO Greg Norman. One source told FOS there may be at least six legitimate bidders for LIV’s U.S. media rights — and the leading contender is FOX.