• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Seven of 10 Highest-Paid Golfers Joined LIV Golf

  • LIV Golf has rearranged the list of the highest-paid golfers.
  • Seven of the top 10 joined the PGA Tour, including top earner Phil Mickelson.
Dustin-Johnson-tracks-shot
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Many golfers who joined LIV Golf have suffered hits to their reputations and playing opportunities. Their pocketbooks, however, are doing just fine.

Since May, the 10 highest-paid golfers took in around $370 million from the Saudi-backed PGA Tour rival, per Forbes.

  • Phil Mickelson topped the list of the year’s best-paid golfers with a $132 million haul. Lefty reportedly accepted a $200 million signing bonus, with Forbes estimating he received half up front.
  • Mickelson was followed by three other LIV-ers: Dustin Johnson ($97 million), Bryson DeChambeau ($86 million), and Brooks Koepka ($69 million).
  • Tiger Woods dropped to fifth with $68 million, nearly all of which came from endorsement deals. LIV CEO Greg Norman said that Woods turned down an offer in the “high nine digits” from LIV.

The back half of the list contains two holdouts who have stuck with the PGA Tour, Rory McIlroy ($43 million) and Jordan Spieth ($39 million), plus three who joined LIV Golf: Sergio Garcia ($42 million), Patrick Reed ($37 million), and Charl Schwartzel ($34 million).

One high-profile name not joining LIV: Charles Barkley. The NBA legend-turned broadcaster and commentator committed to TNT after considering entreaties from LIV. 

Washington’s Role

The PGA Tour has lobbied members of Congress, some of whom have expressed concerns about LIV, and officials in the Biden Administration regarding the rival tour.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice is investigating the PGA Tour over antitrust concerns, as it prohibits members from playing in sanctioned events — namely LIV’s tournaments.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

PGA Tour Slashes FedEx Cup Winner Pay From $25M to $10M

The FedExCup is reworking how it distributes its bonus money.

LIV Golf CEO Pushes Back On PGA Tour Merger

Scott O’Neil said there could be new opportunities for the Tour’s players.

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.

Featured Today

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
June 26, 2025

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.
Mar 15, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) dribbles the ball upcourt against the North Texas Mean Green during the first half at Dickies Arena
June 22, 2025

NIL Is Shrinking the Pool of NBA Draft Entrants

Agents are now advising many players to stay in school.
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter on the red carpet before the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field
June 21, 2025

‘More Is More’: The Elite Luxury Jewelers Decking Out Athletes

Meet the elite group of luxury designers crafting the biggest statement pieces.
exclusive

WNBA Players Reject League’s First CBA Offer

Players felt the initial proposal wasn’t “entirely responsive” to their request.
July 2, 2025

As NBA Free Agency Quiets, Focus Shifts to Potential Extensions

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year, $285 million extension.
Nike banners featuring Caitlin Clark are installed along the eastern side of Des Moines' Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Company on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.
July 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark’s Signature Shoe Could Be $150 Million Business: Sneaker Expert

Clark’s shoe could rival top NBA signature lines.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Nov 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates a shot in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
July 1, 2025

Malik Beasley’s Messy Offseason Includes $2.25M Suit From Ex-Agency

The former Pistons player is not having a good summer.
July 1, 2025

Gauff, Pegula Out at Wimbledon in Nightmare Start for American Women, ESPN

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula were ranked Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, entering Wimbledon.
Dewanna Bonner
exclusive
July 1, 2025

WNBA Cutdown Deadline Could Spur Deals for DeWanna Bonner, Emma Meesseman

The two big-name free agents could find their WNBA homes in July.
Shai
July 1, 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Becomes NBA’s First $70 Million Player

The superstar could’ve waited for an even bigger deal next year.