• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is open through Nov. 13 Learn More
Law

PGA Tour Seeks Dismissal of Saudi Arabia Sovereign Fund Appeal

  • PGA Tour claims Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund doesn’t have standing to challenge discovery decision.
  • PIF appealed ruling that the fund, fund chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan have to produce documents, give depositions.
LIV-Golf
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The PGA Tour filed a motion to dismiss an appeal filed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund on Wednesday, the latest legal turn in the PGA Tour-LIV Golf antitrust case. 

In the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals filing, lawyers for the PGA Tour argued that PIF doesn’t have standing to appeal the U.S. District Court’s decision that the sovereign fund and fund governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan are subject to discovery. The PGA Tour has sought to depose Al-Rumayya and obtain information from PIF, the major financial backer of LIV Golf.

“Allowing appeals of discovery orders, whether by parties or nonparty witnesses, would eviscerate the general rule that only final judgments are appealable,” lawyers for the PGA Tour wrote the 10-page motion.

The PGA Tour was approved by Judge Beth Labson Freeman to add PIF and Al-Rumayyan to its countersuit initially filed late last year. But PIF’s appeal deals with whether sovereign immunity should apply as non-parties, the legal definition for people and entities not directly in litigation. 

Lawyers for the PGA Tour argued that PIF is only entitled to appeal after a PIF files a motion to be dismissed as defendants in the counterclaim. 

“PIF intends to raise that issue again in its motion to dismiss [the counterclaim],” PGA Tour lawyers wrote. “That motion — and, presumably, any resulting appeal — will be appropriate procedural vehicles for deciding the sovereign immunity issues, whereas the Court lacks jurisdiction over this premature appeal.”

The PGA Tour attorneys also wrote that PIF would have the right to appeal if Labson holds it in contempt for not complying with the discovery ruling. A magistrate judge initially made that ruling before Labson upheld that decision.

Earlier this month, Labson delayed the start of the trial — originally set to begin in January — to May 2024. 

Several LIV Golfers originally filed the lawsuit against the PGA Tour, alleging the established pro tour of anti-competitive practices. LIV Golf took over as the main plaintiff in the case in the ensuing months as most LIV golfers dropped from the case. 

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 22. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

McIlroy: Trump Could Help PGA Tour–LIV Golf Deal Discussions

The star golfer said Tuesday’s election results may benefit the fractured sport.

400 People Showed Up to WTA Saudi Final With $15 Million Purse

The WTA is in the first year of a three-year agreement with Saudi Arabia.
Sep 1, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan addresses the gallery gathered on the 18th green after the final round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament.

Not So Fast: PGA Tour–LIV Merger Not Done Yet

Multiple industry sources say reports of professional golf’s unification are premature.
Nick Dunlap of Tuscaloosa, Ala., tees off on the 18th during the third round of the Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson in Jackson, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.

PGA Tour Could Get More Exclusive Under Proposed Rule Changes

This is the latest move to consolidate more prize money and rankings points.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

The NFL Player Set to Inherit a US Potato Empire

0:00

Featured Today

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 1, 2024

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.

Everything You Need to Know About the Kawhi Leonard Lawsuit

A longtime trainer of Leonard’s is suing the Clippers for wrongful termination.
Apr 3, 2022; Arlington, TX, USA; WWE owner Vince McMahon enters the arena during WrestleMania at AT&T Stadium.
October 23, 2024

Former WWE ‘Ring Boys’ Allege Vince McMahon ‘Allowed’ Sexual Abuse

The suit claims the WWE and the McMahons “failed these boys.”
Oct 22, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) and forward LeBron James (23) warm up before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
October 24, 2024

LeBron and Bronny James Target of Lawsuit Over 2022 Car Crash

They made history Tuesday as the NBA’s first father-son teammates.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Former UFC fighter Cung Le
October 23, 2024

Judge Allows Reworked $375 Million Settlement for UFC Fighters to Move Forward 

Hundreds of fighters could start to see six-figure payouts next year.
Feb 9, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; A DraftKings countdown clock on radio row at the Super Bowl LVII media center at the Phoenix Convention Center.
October 22, 2024

DraftKings, Former Exec Talk Settlement in Marathon Legal Battle

The case revolves around the enforcement of a one-year non-compete agreement.
October 18, 2024

Lawsuit Targets Illegal Prop and Pick ’Em Bets

PrizePicks paid $15 million to New York regulators for a similar reason.
Jun 25, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; NASCAR Cup Series 23XI Racing owner Michael Jordan on pit road during qualifying for the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway.
October 18, 2024

NASCAR: Michael Jordan Suit Using Discovery As ‘Weapon’ 

Jordan’s racing company is suing NASCAR over antitrust practices.