LIV Golf is reportedly in discussions to form a partnership with the DP World Tour, including a substantial financial boost according to sources familiar with the matter.
Sources, reported by Bloomberg, have emphasised that the negotiations between LIV Golf and the DP World Tour are separate from the talks currently underway between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The sources also warned that talks could collapse, while representatives from LIV Golf and Saudi Arabia’s PIF declined to comment.
A spokesperson for the DP World Tour, meanwhile, stated: “We remain in discussions with the PGA Tour, PGA Tour Enterprises, SSG, and PIF regarding the broader future of men’s global golf.
“However, no agreements have been made at this stage.”
REPORT: Deal done between LIV Golf and PGA Tour worth over $1 billion
Jon Rahm LIV Golf – Icon Sportswire
If the DP World Tour and LIV Golf come through with their own separate deal, it could be looking like a shared schedule. This would enable golfers to compete in events hosted by both tours. A deal with LIV Golf would also give the DP World Tour further financial backing, as the tour’s prize funds are currently bolstered by the PGA Tour.
In recent weeks the DP World Tour has started to soften it’s stance in allowing former members, now LIV Golf members, on returning to the DP World Tour with the likes of Tyrrell Hatton, Jon Rahm, Cam Smith and Sergio Garcia all returning to play in Official World Ranked Golf sanctioned events.
On the other end of the spectrum, the PIF is reportedly in talks to acquire a stake in PGA Tour Enterprises, the commercial assets for the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. According to Bloomberg News, this was recently valued at approximately $12 billion, following a $1.5 billion investment from SSG, a US-based investor group. SSG is also said to have the option to inject an additional $1.5 billion into the venture.
With the re-election of golf enthusiast President-elect Donald Trump, he looks to be able to play a big helping hand in getting some kind of deal over the line..
Main Image: DP World Tour / Getty Images
