Tuesday, April 21, 2026

PGA Tour-Saudi Deal May Miss Deadline As Obstacles Grow

  • A Dec. 31 deadline for the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s PIF to reach a deal is approaching.
  • U.S.-based investors have begun approaching the PGA Tour about alternatives.
Rory McIlroy reacts to a shot at the 17th hole during the first round of the RBC Canadian Open golf tournament.
Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

As negotiations continue to stall, the self-imposed Dec. 31 deadline for the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to complete a deal to form a new commercial entity could be pushed back.

Recently, the PGA Tour began receiving unsolicited interest from U.S.-based investors looking to potentially join or even replace the PIF in financially backing the future pro golf landscape. 

Now, antitrust concerns and how much control will be ceded to PGA Tour players are among the biggest issues slowing talks down, according to Bloomberg. 

Under the framework agreement agreed to by the three parties involved, the commercial operations of the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and PIF-backed LIV Golf would fall under a new company, PGA Tour Enterprises. That entity would have PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan as CEO and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan as chairman.

Even if the sides reach a deal before the end of the year, logistics could make it difficult to fully reintegrate LIV golfers before 2025.

The PGA Tour has already released its 2024 FedEx Cup schedule, and LIV has reportedly nailed down the majority of its 2024 dates, many of which go head-to-head with major PGA Tour tournaments.

LIV acting COO Gary Davidson previously told Front Office Sports the league would have no problem with its golfers also playing in PGA Tour events on weeks LIV was not in action.

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

Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.

LIV Golf Moves On to Trump D.C. Event After Rocky Week in Mexico

Jon Rahm won the $4 million first-place check at LIV Mexico City.

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 4, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Byeong Hun An in action during the first round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club.

LIV Golf CEO: League Looking for New Investors

Scott O’Neil admitted LIV will need to raise money moving forward.

Featured Today

blake griffin

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.

NBA Coaching Carousel Could Shake Up College Basketball

Dusty May and Todd Golden could get NBA coaching looks.
April 21, 2026

NFL Rookie Deals Will Top $50M for the First Time Since 2010

This year’s top pick will make nearly $55 million.
April 21, 2026

NWSL Will Add Its 18th Team in Columbus

The league wanted to award another expansion team for 2028 this year.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
Jan 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy (left) speaks at a press conference introducing him as the next head coach of the Steelers as general manager Omar Khan (right) listens in at PNC Champions Club at Acrisure Stadium.
April 21, 2026

New NFL Draft 8-Minute Rule Has GMs Planning Differently

Before 2008, teams had 15 minutes between first-round selections.
April 20, 2026

Premier League Title Race Tightens With Big Money on the Line

The Stan Kroenke-controlled club is now in a tight battle for the league title.
Seattle Torrent @ Vancouver Goldeneyes at Pacific Coliseum
April 20, 2026

How PWHL’s Gold Plan Takes Tanking Off the Table

The system determines which team earns the top PWHL draft pick.
April 19, 2026

Caitlin Clark Prioritizes Health As WNBA Banks on Her Availability

The Indiana Fever star played in just 13 games last season.