The Masters champion says the breakaway league may need to spend another $6 billion just to hold its position.
Rory McIlroy has never shied away from addressing the state of men’s professional golf, and once again he has raised concerns about the future of LIV Golf. Speaking at the CEO Council Forum, the four-time major winner suggested that the Saudi-backed league is heading toward a major financial challenge as it tries to retain its top talent.
McIlroy’s stance on LIV has evolved since its launch. He fiercely opposed the breakaway circuit early on, later admitting he had been “too judgemental,” and welcomed the 2023 framework agreement between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. But with merger talks now frozen, McIlroy believes the balance of power still rests firmly with the PGA Tour — and he sees a looming crisis for LIV.
McIlroy says LIV must spend billions more to maintain its roster
According to McIlroy, LIV’s model requires unprecedented financial commitment, with no sign of return after four to five years of heavy spending. Contracts for star players are due to expire soon, and McIlroy believes the league will face enormous pressure to match or exceed previous deals.
“As someone who supports the PGA Tour… we were trying to deal with people who were acting irrationally in terms of the capital they were allocating,” he said. “LIV have spent $5 or $6 billion and they’re going to have to spend another five or six just to maintain where they are.”
McIlroy added that dissatisfaction from players could cause further turbulence. As he sees it, LIV’s long-term sustainability hinges on continuous, massive injections of money — a trajectory that places the PGA Tour on much firmer ground.
“With Brian Rolapp’s leadership, everyone on the PGA Tour feels we’re in a good place,” McIlroy said. “I’m way more comfortable being on the PGA Tour side than on their side.”
McIlroy reflects on life after finally winning The Masters
McIlroy also opened up about his emotional breakthrough at Augusta earlier this year, when he secured the green jacket that had eluded him for more than a decade. The win completed his bid for sporting immortality — but even that has come with unexpected adjustments.
Travelling for events in recent months, McIlroy said he is routinely asked to appear in the green jacket. After briefly grumbling about wearing it in Abu Dhabi, he admitted he had to check himself.
“I told my wife, ‘If you ever hear me complain about wearing this thing again, punch me,’” he joked. “I’ve waited my whole life for it.”
From showcasing what may have been the first green jacket ever seen in India to celebrating with fans around the world, McIlroy called the experience “a very cool perk” of joining golf’s most exclusive club.
With McIlroy publicly backing the PGA Tour and questioning LIV’s long-term viability, the Northern Irishman remains one of the most influential voices shaping the future of the sport.
