Scott O'Neil: LIV Golf CEO Announces Potential Saudi Investment in PGA Tour
Deal News | Feb 12, 2025 | EIN
LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has disclosed ongoing discussions about a potential investment by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia into PGA Tour Enterprises. The announcement followed a framework agreement in June 2023, signaling possible resolution to the dispute involving the LIV Golf series. Despite the involvement of the Department of Justice earlier on, recent talks featuring Donald Trump, an advocate for LIV Golf, have renewed hopes for a deal. The potential partnership with PIF promises new opportunities for the LIV Golf series, including collaborations with markets, courses, marketing partners, and networks. O'Neil expresses optimism about the future, citing synergies that could arise from this investment, and commended Trump's inclusion, underscoring the global value of golf.
Sectors
- Sports Management
- Investment Management
- Media and Entertainment
Geography
- United States – Focus on the PGA Tour, which is a major U.S.-based professional golf association, and recent discussions involving former U.S. President Donald Trump.
- Saudi Arabia – Home to the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is looking to invest in PGA Tour Enterprises.
- Australia – Mentioned as the location for an upcoming LIV Golf event in Adelaide.
Industry
- Sports Management – Relates to the management and negotiation of sports organizations, including professional leagues like the PGA Tour and entities like LIV Golf.
- Investment Management – Concerns the management of investments, specifically involving the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia and its potential stake in PGA Tour Enterprises.
- Media and Entertainment – Relevant due to potential partnerships with television networks and media related to the promotion and coverage of golf tournaments.
Financials
- Not Specified – Potential investment by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) into PGA Tour Enterprises.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIV Golf | Initiator | Company | A breakaway golf league funded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. |
| Public Investment Fund (PIF) | Potential Investor | Company | A sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia potentially investing in PGA Tour Enterprises. |
| PGA Tour | Potential Partner | Company | A major professional golf association based in the United States. |
| Donald Trump | Facilitator | Person | Former U.S. President involved in discussions, supporting the LIV Golf setup. |
| Scott O'Neil | CEO of LIV Golf | Person | The newly-appointed CEO of LIV Golf, involved in guiding the investment discussions. |
| Al Arabiya News | Media | Company | News outlet where Scott O'Neil shared his thoughts on the investment discussions. |