• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Law

Sen. Richard Blumenthal Opens Investigation Into PGA Tour-LIV Merger

  • Blumenthal has concerns regarding the Saudi government’s control of the newly formed golf entity.
  • The senator also had questions on the Tour’s stated plans to preserve its tax-exempt nonprofit status.
Blumenthal detailed his investigation in a letter to PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.
Mandatory Credit: Alex Gould/The Republic

Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut has opened an investigation into the PGA Tour’s merger with Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf and the DP World Tour. 

In a letter to PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, Blumenthal wrote that the Tour’s agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund raises concerns about “the risks posed by a foreign government entity assuming control over a cherished American institution.” 

Senator Blumenthal also writes that the Tour’s stated plan to remain a tax-exempt nonprofit 501(c) (6) entity raises questions about “whether a foreign government may indirectly benefit from provisions in U.S. tax laws meant to promote not-for-profit business organizations.”

The Democratic senator has given a target deadline of June 26 for the PGA Tour to provide documents related to its planned merger and relationship with the PIF. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of Saudi’s PIF, will be part of the executive committee of the Tour’s newly formed commercial entity with LIV Golf. 

Previously critical of the Saudi government’s human rights violations, Monahan told PGA Tour employees that the league could not financially afford to continue its legal battle with LIV Golf. Costs had reached $50 million in legal fees, and the Tour dipped into $100 million of its reserves to pay for future scheduled legal troubles, according to the Wall Street Journal

“We cannot compete with a foreign government with unlimited money,” Monahan reportedly said. “This was the time….We waited to be in the strongest possible position to get this deal in place.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Amazon Adds Golf to Its Packed Black Friday Sports Lineup With NFL,..

On Nov. 28, The Skins Game will return for the first time since 2008.
[US, Mexico, & Canada customers only] Mar 16, 2025; Singapore, SINGAPORE; Joaquin Niemann in action during the final round of LIV Golf Singapore at Sentosa Golf Club.

LIV Golf Lost $461M in Non-U.S. Operations in 2024

Public financial filings were released this week in the U.K.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 27, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team Europe's Matt Fitzpatrick celebrates with Tyrrell Hatton after holing his putt to win the hole on the 9th hole during the four-balls on the second day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

Ryder Cup Fallout Continues As PGA of America Leaders Take Heat

European players are still not happy with the fan behavior.
opinion

How Rory McIlroy Became Golf’s Lightning Rod

Is McIlroy a hypocrite for ripping fans after his own f-bombs?

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Hymie Elhai

Jets Say Execs Tried to Sink Team President in Bumbling Conspiracy

The team says thousands of deleted text messages show the plot.
Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans former quarterbacks Mark Sanchez (left) and Matt Leinart watch from the sidelines during the Pac-12 Championship game against the Utah Utes at Allegiant Stadium.
October 6, 2025

Mark Sanchez, Fox Sports Sued Over Alley Fight That Turned Bloody

The high-profile incident took place Saturday night in Indianapolis.
Brian Flores
October 7, 2025

Court Again Rejects NFL Request to Send Flores Case to Arbitration

The NFL has tried to keep the case out of open court.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Jon Gruden
October 3, 2025

Jon Gruden’s Case Against NFL Gets Closer to Open Court

The Nevada Supreme Court ruled unanimously against the NFL’s appeal. 
Apr 16, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis speaks during a FIFA Club World Cup press conference at Audi Field.
October 1, 2025

San Diego Wave Owners Sue Jill Ellis for Abandoning Team After Sale

Ellis allegedly broke a pledge by leaving for FIFA after the sale.
Brian Flores
September 30, 2025

Brian Flores Asks Court to Halt NFL Arbitration

The war between Flores’s lawyers and an NFL arbitrator has heated up.
Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans co-founder and former owner Janice McNair (left) sits with Texans chief executive officer Cal McNair and wife Hannah McNair in front of family members of Texans former player Andre Johnson (not pictured) during a ceremony at halftime of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium.
September 29, 2025

NFL Sued for $100M Over Efforts to ‘Silence’ Brother of Texans Owner

Robert Cary McNair Jr. says the NFL helped remove him from roles.