Wednesday September 27, 2023
Law

PGA Tour Under Federal Investigation Over Rival LIV Golf

  • Players’ agents have received inquiries from the DOJ’s antitrust division.
  • At issue are regulations regarding player participation in non-PGA events.
Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
Front Office Sports Today

Taylor Swift Takes NFL to New Heights

Taylor Swift and her rumored relationship have brought in a new, more female-heavy audience.
Listen Now
September 27, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

The PGA Tour is being investigated by the Department of Justice over anticompetitive behavior as it competes with the LIV Golf Invitational Series, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

LIV Golf — an upstart backed by the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund — has emerged as direct competition to the PGA Tour after several top-ranked golfers defected to the series, including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Brooks Koepka

  • Players’ agents have received inquiries from the DOJ’s antitrust division.
  • At issue are regulations regarding player participation in non-PGA events.
  • The PGA Tour’s disciplinary measures are also under the DOJ’s probe. 

The PGA Tour has a history of being under federal investigation. 

In 1994, the Federal Trade Commission issued a similar probe into the Tour regarding player participation in non-PGA events and television appearances on golf-related programs. 

The FTC eventually cut its investigation short, and the PGA Tour expects a similar outcome this time around. 

The tour faces an uphill battle: A stay was issued last week in favor of LIV golfers after the DP World Tour — the European counterpart to the Tour — suspended them from partaking in the Scottish Open.

In The Rough

In addition to an investigation by the DOJ, the PGA Tour could face an antitrust suit in the U.S. brought on by LIV Golf or its players who defected from the Tour. As a result, the DOJ could submit a statement of interest in support of the suit or keep its current probe alive.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Patrick Reed

Judge Dismisses Both of Patrick Reed’s Defamation Cases

A federal judge dismissed both of Patrick Reed’s defamation cases.

LIV, PGA Tour Schedules Likely Clashing Despite PIF Deal

In 2024, LIV is reported to go head-to-head with the PGA Tour.
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Taylor Swift Takes NFL to New Heights (w/ Andrew Brandt)

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

Taylor Swift at Chiefs vs. Bears game.

Taylor Swift NFL Hype Likely To Continue Another Week

Swift could drive blockbuster TV ratings for NBC's "Sunday Night Football."
September 27, 2023

Lillard And Giannis Pairing Could Be Big For The NBA, Too

Bucks to be featured on national TV 19 times this season
September 27, 2023

Magic Johnson Open To Knicks Minority Ownership Stake

Basketball Hall of Famer only interested in specific NBA franchise
Golden State Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob walks alone the baseline during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center.
September 27, 2023

Warriors Owner Reportedly Adding A Bay Area WNBA Franchise

An official announcement could come as soon as early October.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations
NFL concussions

The NFL’s $1B Battle Over Concussion Settlement Heats Up

The NFL is seeking at least $1.2 billion from its risk carriers.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is among the FTX endorsers who have reached a settlement for their roles in promoting the crypto exchange.
September 18, 2023

Trevor Lawrence Settles Lawsuit Over FTX Crypto Endorsement

Lawrence has settled while other FTX athlete endorsers still face lawsuits.
Lane Kiffin
September 15, 2023

Ole Miss Football Player Files $40M Lawsuit Against Lane Kiffin, School

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin is being sued by one of his players.
Senate Hearings
September 13, 2023

Senate Subpoenas Saudi Investment Fund Records in PGA Tour Inquiry

Senate hearing reveals deep concerns about the potential PGA Tour-LIV deal.
Jim Trotter
September 12, 2023

Reporter Jim Trotter Sues NFL, Alleges NFL Owner Made Racist Remark

Trotter alleged Terry Pegula made a "highly offensive and racist" remark.
Michael Irvin
August 31, 2023

Potential Trial in Michael Irvin’s Lawsuit Against Marriott Many Months Off

Irvin returned to the air this week as a contributor on FS1’s “Undisputed”.
Brett Favre sues Shannon Sharpe, Pat McAfee, and Mississippi State Auditor Shad White .
August 29, 2023

Brett Favre’s Attorneys Mount Challenge Over Text Messages in Welfare Funds Lawsuit

Favre is among more than 40 defendants in the civil case.
exclusive
August 28, 2023

Nearly 30 New Subpoenas Seek Communications With Brett Favre

Former NFL player Adalius Thomas among those subpoenaed.