• Loading stock data...
Monday, March 31, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

Will PGA Tour-PIF Deal Get Done? Some Players Say: Don’t Bother

  • Spieth, Simpson among those to question need for Saudi pact after SSG investment.
  • Fenway Sports Group-led infusion brings both cash, intellectual capital.
Jordan Spieth
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

On the heels of the PGA Tour’s landmark investment deal with Fenway Sports Group-led Strategic Sports Group, pegged at up to $3 billion, a pressing and immediate question is now rippling through the golf world: Does the Tour now even need to finish a much-discussed agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund?

The SSG pact was structured to allow for co-investment from the PIF, and the PGA Tour said there has been “progress in its ongoing negotiations” with the LIV Golf backer, adding that “both parties are working toward an ultimate agreement.” But some players believe such continued effort is no longer necessary.

“I don’t think that’s needed,” said Jordan Spieth (above) of the potential PIF investment. “The idea is that we have a strategic partner that allows the PGA Tour to go forward the way that it’s operating right now without anything else.”

Spieth, the world’s No. 14 men’s player, is now part of the PGA Tour’s player policy board following a resignation by Rory McIlroy in November. 

Among the reasons for the player reticence toward completing the PIF deal: 

  • The SSG agreement provides not only a significant cash infusion, but the intellectual capital of more than 200 years of combined pro sports team leadership. 
  • Nearly 200 PGA Tour players are already set to become equity participants in the newly formed, for-profit commercial entity PGA Tour Enterprises.
  • Distrust and hurt feelings remain among some PGA Tour players toward their LIV Golf counterparts, with Christiaan Bezuidenhout telling ESPN, “I wouldn’t want to see any of the LIV guys come back.”
  • There is no clarity yet on what role PIF would play in the operation of the PGA Tour or PGA Tour Enterprises, or if the investment would survive U.S. government regulatory approval processes.

“That has not been the ultimate priority,” said Webb Simpson, another player policy board member, of a potential PIF deal.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Brehanna Daniels

NASCAR Pit Crew Member Brehanna Daniels Didn’t Know She’d Be a Trailblazer

The first Black female tire changer didn’t know she’d be a trailblazer.

Missing Madness: All No. 1 Seeds in Men’s Final Four, First Time..

The results show the impact of NIL and the transfer portal.
Columbia, SC - February 16, 2025 - Colonial Life Arena: Rebecca Lobo and Ryan Ruocco during a regular season game.

Inside Ryan Ruocco’s Rapid Rise to ESPN’s Top Voice of Women’s Hoops

The top voice became “quickly addicted” to calling the women’s game.

Duke Keeps ACC Alive in March Madness

Duke will represent the ACC in the Elite Eight in both tournaments.

Featured Today

Mar 27, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Chris Youngblood (8) and the Alabama Crimson Tide bench celebrate during the second half against the Brigham Young Cougars during an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center.

How Alabama Became College Basketball’s Newest Juggernaut

The Crimson Tide have found success rivaling their historic football program.
Kendall Coyne Schofield
March 25, 2025

Kendall Coyne Schofield Wants More for the Next Wave of Mom-Athletes

The Walter Cup–winning Frost captain says small changes mean “everything.”
Dec 21, 2024; Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks to pass the ball against USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) in the first half at XL Center.
March 23, 2025

‘More Value to Be Had’: Were Women’s March Madness Media Rights Undersold?

Could the NCAA have gotten millions more in its latest TV deal?
Mar 20, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Jasen Green (0) dunks the ball during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena
March 22, 2025

Basketball-Only Schools Could See Power Surge After House Settlement Approval 

Football teams might monopolize the revenue-sharing dollars at power conference schools.

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Gets PE Boost

The Hall of Famer’s company gains another prominent backer.
March 20, 2025

High School Sports Power Signs Eight-Figure Rights Deal in First

The deal pays roughly $1 million annually, FOS has learned.
March 24, 2025

Why Pro Athletes Are Getting First Look at Start-Up Deals: ‘Shark Tank’..

Rashaun Williams was an early investor in companies like DraftKings and Coinbase.
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.
March 20, 2025

Maxx Crosby’s Agent: Edge Rushers Set to Dominate NFL’s Non-QB Market

Maxx Crosby just signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension.
March 4, 2025

Eagles Make Saquon Barkley NFL’s Highest-Paid Running Back Ever

Barkley is coming off a historic 2024 season with the Eagles.
February 18, 2025

Tiger Woods Signs First PGA Tour Player to Wear Sun Day Red

Karl Vilips will wear Sun Day Red at his season debut at the Mexico Open.
Teammates embrace during matchup in The Hundred cricket league
February 15, 2025

Google, Microsoft, Adobe CEOs Buy Stakes in Cricket League

The England and Wales Cricket Board raised £520m by selling team stakes.