PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan provided an update on the ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, stating that the deal is not imminent. Speaking to reporters at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Monahan revealed that discussions are still in progress and that the two parties are working towards reaching an agreement.
This update comes after the release of the 2025 PGA Tour schedule, which some speculated could indicate a delay in the deal with LIV Golf. Monahan confirmed that both series will continue to operate separately next year until further notice, emphasizing the complexity of the negotiations and the absence of a set timeframe for completion.
Addressing the media at TPC Southwind, Monahan described the discussions as “very complicated” and emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue between the PGA Tour and the PIF. While he did not delve into specific details, he expressed optimism about the progress being made in the negotiations.
The announcement of the 2025 PGA Tour schedule coincided with Monahan’s comments, highlighting the continuity of the tour’s operations despite the unresolved deal with LIV Golf. The schedule for 2025 mirrors that of 2024, with minor adjustments in tournament dates.
The delay in finalizing the deal between the PGA Tour and PIF follows the initial framework agreement announced by Monahan a year ago. Despite the initial optimism surrounding the agreement, no significant developments have been reported since the joint announcement by Monahan and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the PIF.
In the interim, the PGA Tour has entered into a separate $1.5 billion deal with Strategic Sports Group (SSG) to establish PGA Tour Enterprises. Additionally, a sub-committee led by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy has been tasked with engaging in discussions with LIV Golf officials, although updates from this group have been limited.
Meanwhile, LIV Golf is preparing to host its 12th event of the year at the Greenbrier Resort, with plans to expand its international presence in the future. Despite the lack of Official World Golf Ranking points accreditation, the series continues to attract attention and speculation within the golfing community.
As negotiations between the PGA Tour and PIF continue, both sides remain committed to exploring potential opportunities for collaboration. The complexity of the discussions and the absence of a definitive timeline underscore the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
