LIV Golf's Saudi backers enter negotiations with the DP World Tour amid ongoing PGA deal: Reports

LIV Golf is reportedly in talks with the DP World Tour for a separate deal amidst their ongoing conversation with the PGA Tour. Initially, when Saudi-backed LIV Golf came into existence in 2021, it received brutal criticism.

However, in June last year, American Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan decided to merge with the PIF, the financial backbone of LIV Golf. Yet, the deal has been under discussion even after more than a year since its announcement.

Recently, Bloomberg reported that LIV Golf is also in talks with the DP World Tour for a separate deal. Their discussions are reportedly aimed at creating a shared schedule between the circuits, allowing players from both series to compete in each other's events. Furthermore, this would financially benefit the European Tour.

However, officials from the circuits have refrained from commenting on the deal and have opted not to share many details about it. A DP World Tour spokesperson said (via Bloomberg):

“We remain in discussions with the PGA Tour, PGA Tour Enterprises, SSG and PIF relating to the ongoing overall picture for men’s global golf, but no agreements have been reached.”

Notably, LIV Golf players still compete on the DP World Tour, with nine of them having applied for European Tour membership for the 2025 season. This includes Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia, Tyrrell Hatton, Adrian Meronk, Patrick Reed, Dean Burmester, Joaquin Niemann, Thomas Pieters, and Lucas Herbert.

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Details on the PGA Tour-LIV Golf Deal

While LIV Golf is reportedly in conversation with the DP World Tour for an exclusive deal, their negotiation discussions with the PGA Tour are still ongoing. Recently, Rory McIlroy provided details about the potential merger.

During a press conference at the 2024 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, a DP World Tour event, the Northern Irish golfer opened up about the PGA -PIF deal and claimed that Donald Trump might make it easier to seal the agreement. He said (via SI):

"He (Donald Trump) might be able to. He's got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him. We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too. Yeah, I think from the outside looking in, it's probably a little less complicated than it actually is. But obviously, Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He's got a great relationship with golf. He's a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows?"

Notably, Trump has a strong business relationship with the Saudi circuit, hosting several of their tournaments on his golf courses. Moreover, earlier this month, following his election victory, Trump was spotted with PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and also played a round of golf with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan. Nonetheless, only time will tell how the LIV Golf deals with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour progress further.