Rory McIlroy Questions LIV Golf's Future Amid High-Stakes Contract Talks
As LIV Golf navigates the departure of Brooks Koepka and engages in high-stakes contract negotiations with Bryson DeChambeau, Rory McIlroy has publicly questioned the league's strategic direction and financial sustainability. Speaking after the first round of the DP World Tour's Dubai Invitational, the world No. 2 suggested that even a massive reinvestment in existing stars would not fundamentally improve the product.
"It's not as if they made any huge signings this year, is it?" McIlroy told The Telegraph. "They haven't signed anyone who moves the needle and I don't think they will. I mean, they could re-sign Bryson for hundreds of millions of dollars, but even if they do, it doesn't change their product, does it? They'll just be paying for the exact same thing. And they've lost Brooks, so they'll be paying out all this money and …"
McIlroy's comments come as Koepka finalizes his return to the PGA Tour through the circuit's "Returning Member Program," which requires a $5 million charitable donation and forfeits certain financial benefits. While Koepka has accepted the terms, other eligible stars—DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith—face a February 2 deadline to decide.
During LIV's season preview press conference on Tuesday, all three indicated their current commitment to the Saudi-backed league. DeChambeau noted he is "contracted through 2026," Rahm stated he is "not planning on going anywhere," and Smith affirmed, "I'm here to stay."
DeChambeau, in particular, holds significant leverage as his contract expires at the end of 2025. He could command a nine-figure deal to remain with LIV or potentially explore other avenues, including a return to the PGA Tour or expanding his digital content creation.
McIlroy expressed approval of Koepka's return to the PGA Tour, saying it "gets Brooks back to where he belongs." However, his broader critique underscores the perception that LIV is struggling to attract new elite talent and may be entering a phase of costly retention rather than transformative growth as it begins its fifth season.
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