The PGA Tour has been locked in a battle with rival LIV Golf for the past few years. While the two sides are talking, there has been hatred from the PGA players towards those who have left for LIV. One of the most outspoken critics has been Rory McIlroy, which is why it shocked many when a report came out that he was close to a deal with LIV. His camp strongly refuted the claim as fake news.
PGA Tour Star Rory McIlroy Isn’t Joining LIV
🚨💰🙅♂️ #NOT LEAVING — Rory McIlroy’s manager Sean O’Flaherty dismissed reporting by @CityAM which said Rory is potentially close to signing with LIV GOLF for $850M: “Fake news. Zero truth.” @TrackingRory (via: @independentIE) pic.twitter.com/JTGOzzb30D
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 16, 2024
The rumor started with one of London’s largest financial news outlets. The publication claimed to have two sources that pointed towards Rory McIlroy joining the rival golf league for $850 million and an ownership stake. McIlroy’s manager Sean O’Flaherty quickly refuted the claims saying there is “zero truth” to them and labeling the rumor has “fake news.”
Rory McIlroy has backed off his harsh criticism in the past few months, calling for unification between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Golf is struggling to gain viewership, and two leagues trying to garner a fan base isn’t healthy for the sport.
What’s Happening With the Merger?
It was reported months ago that the two leagues would merge. However, those talks have hit some snags. The PGA Tour also recently secured a deal with the Strategic Sports Group worth around $3 billion. One of the issues the Tour has been facing is a revenue loss. Golfers have left for the LIV Tour because they are offering big money. If the Tour can offer bigger payouts without having to merge, it leaves the future LIV in jeopardy.
Golf is at a crossroads. The popularity of the sport is high, but viewership is down. The PGA Tour needs to figure out how to attract people to watch the sport, or they may face more issues down the road.
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Matt Brown has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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