Tuesday October 3, 2023
Law

Senate Isn’t Done Probing PGA Tour-LIV Golf Deal

  • Further investigation will likely follow Tuesday's hearing in Washington D.C.
  • PGA Tour, Saudi PIF have until Dec. 31 to finalize a definitive agreement.
Jack Gruber-USA TODAY
Front Office Sports Today

NBC Could Get In On College Football Playoffs

NBC is exploring broadcasting a slice of the expanded CFP in 2026.
Listen Now
October 3, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

Tuesday’s Senate hearing exploring the PGA Tour’s controversial deal with Saudi Arabia likely won’t be the last as the two parties move toward a definitive agreement by their self-imposed Dec. 31 deadline.

“We need to learn more,” Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations chair Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) said as the three-hour session concluded. “We’re going to continue this inquiry. We’re going to ask that the other potential witnesses that we invited actually come and share their perspectives and information.”

Those other potential witnesses include Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman — who both declined invites to Tuesday’s session. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan — set to return from medical leave next week — would also be a welcomed guest to future hearings.

Major revelations from Tuesday’s session included Al-Rumayyan’s efforts to secure membership to Augusta National Golf Club and the R&A as part of the overarching deal, as well as proposals for Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy to own LIV Golf teams and compete in the series.

As the PIF gets ready to reportedly launch a sports-focused investment entity, Tuesday’s findings showed that Saudi Arabia proposed a global golf investment fund managed by the PIF during discussions with the PGA Tour.

Back To The Future

Since the bombshell agreement was announced, it has been known that PGA Tour policy board member Jimmy Dunne began meeting with Al-Rumayyan in April. But documents revealed on Tuesday showed that Dunne was initially approached by a PIF representative on Dec. 8, 2022. 

Dunne rebuffed that initial outreach before exploring further in April. The documents also revealed that McIlroy met with Al-Rumayyan in Dubai in November 2022. McIlroy was not representing the PGA Tour and spoke only for himself.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Tiger's TGL Continues To Gain Investors And Attract Big Business

The virtual league will play at the 2,000-seat SoFi Center.

LPGA Seeking Major Capital Raise Amid Golf Craze

The top women's golf tour is looking for new financial backing.
Golf bag leaning on PGA Tour signage

Arctos Sports Partners Join Race To Invest In PGA Tour

New investor interest comes amid negotiations with Saudi Arabia.

Ryder Cup’s Future Hanging In The Balance Amid Saudi Disruption

An unexpected change could be coming to the Ryder Cup.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

NBC Could Get In On College Football Playoffs

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

An advocacy group is filing an NLRB case against the Ivy League over athlete compensation.

Advocacy Group Files Federal Labor Charge Against Ivy League

It’s the latest in a flurry of NLRB cases over amateurism.
The Colorado Buffaloes played in the most-watched game of Week 5.
October 3, 2023

Colorado Ratings Bonanza Continues Despite Two Consecutive Losses

The Buffs’ least-watched game this season was still the most-watched this week.
Football analyst and PFF investor Chris Collinsworth talks to man in front of computers
October 3, 2023

Cris Collinsworth 'Lost a Lot of Sleep' Over Pro Football Focus Leadership Issues

New book details why it’s no longer a “happy place to work.”
NBC is interested in media rights to the expanded College Football Playoff.
exclusive
October 2, 2023

NBC Is Interested in Expanded College Football Playoff Media Rights

NBC is one of the networks pitching the CFP, a source confirmed.

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
Brett Favre

Brett Favre to Give First Sworn Testimony in Mississippi Welfare Case

A deposition of Brett Favre has been scheduled for Oct. 26.
Panini
October 2, 2023

Arbitrator Rules Panini Can Continue Selling NFLPA Products

Panini can continue to sell NFLPA-licensed products.
Mississippi tackle Michael Oher poses with his family after being selected as the number 23 overall pick to the Baltimore Ravens in the 2009 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
September 29, 2023

Judge Ends Michael Oher’s Conservatorship with Tuohy Family

Oher claims the Tuohys misrepresented their legal relationship to him.
Patrick Reed
September 27, 2023

Judge Dismisses Both of Patrick Reed’s Defamation Cases

A federal judge dismissed both of Patrick Reed’s defamation cases.
NFL concussions
September 27, 2023

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.