SecondEven though professional golf is about to enter the holiday season, there are signs that a lot of activity is continuing, as reports that LIV Golf may reach a deal with the DP World Tour coincide with the Saudi-backed tour's expected announcement of a new CEO and commissioner. consistent.
LIV Golf and the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) are in discussions that could lead to a working agreement between the two organizations, independent of negotiations involving the PGA Tour, Bloomberg reported last week.
When asked about the report, the DP World Tour issued a statement to Global Golf Post, saying, “We are still working with the PGA Tour, PGA Tour Enterprises, SSG and PIF on the ongoing overall development of men's global golf. The situation was discussed but no agreement has been reached.”
While there are signs that talks between the PGA Tour, Public Investment Fund and DP World Tour are progressing, it's unclear where those discussions are going and what a potential deal might look like.
LIV Golf and the Public Investment Fund declined to comment on the Bloomberg report.
The idea of a LIV-DP World Tour schedule has been on hold since LIV became a factor in professional golf. Everything seemed to go cold when the PGA Tour formed a strategic alliance with the DP World Tour to help subsidize the European Tour's funding.
Any agreement between the LIV and DP World Tour could clear the way for players who have left the European Tour to regain playing ability. Sergio Garcia recently reapplied for Tour membership in hopes of earning a spot on the European Ryder Cup team next fall.
The PGA Tour and PIF have been in talks about a potential investment of $1 billion or more from the Saudi group in a new PGA Tour venture, and SSG (Strategic Sports Group) has committed $3 billion in private equity investment to the PGA Tour . New for-profit entity.
LIV Golf is likely to name former NBA and NHL executive Scott O'Neil as its new president and CEO in the near future, replacing Greg Norman.
Norman's LIV contract expires in August, and it's possible he will remain with the organization in some capacity. Norman spearheaded the creation of the new golf league (often to great controversy), which disrupted the professional game while creating divisions within the sport.
O'Neal's hiring could be announced as early as this week, according to multiple reports.
O'Neill served as chief executive of Merlin Entertainments, a London-based company that operates amusement parks and resorts. He recently told the company he would be leaving the company at the end of the year to pursue new opportunities.
Prior to joining Merlin Entertainments, O'Neal was the former CEO of the Philadelphia 76ers. He also became CEO of the New Jersey Devils, both teams being part of Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment.
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