LIV Golf’s PGA Tour merger hit by new doubts as Fenway Sports chairman Tom Werner CONFIRMS talks to usurp the Saudis – amid reports Liverpool and Red Sox owner have made ‘monster offer’
LIV Golf’s potential PGA merger has been thrown into further doubt after Fenway Sports Group chairman Tom Werner confirmed talks with the Tour amid claims his organization has made ‘an offer’ to acquire the Saudi-backed circuit to appropriate.
Werner, who is also chairman of the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool, confirmed FSG’s talks with the tour in an interview with CNBC, where he sat next to Rory McIlroy at Fenway Park.
As it stands, only a framework agreement between Saudi-backed LIV and the PGA is in force and last week golf reporter Alan Shipnuck claimed the deal was ‘falling apart’ and that FSG had made a move.
Werner did not reveal any details, but said: “We confirm that we have had discussions.”
Shipnuck, author of the LIV and Let Die book, said last week about the possible collaboration between LIV and PGA: ‘A major problem from day one was the reporting of the ‘merger’. The press release should have stated: ‘The lawsuits have been withdrawn, we will sort out the rest later.’
Tom Werner spoke about Fenway Sports Group’s ties to backing a PGA Tour merger
Alan Shipnuck claimed last week that FSG entered the race to partner with the PGA Tour
‘There is nothing binding in the framework agreement; it’s ambitious. The Tour is committed to a new biz model, but not to the PIF$.”
He continued: “From conversations with people on Wall Street and Silicon Valley close to the deal, the framework agreement is falling apart. Fenway Sports Group has made a monster attempt to usurp the PIF. It seems more and more likely that we will go back to LIV versus the Tour.’
Although the 73-year-old Werner did not provide any further information, he did emphasize that “the players will decide where the tour goes.”
He was effusive in his praise for McIlroy, who is launching his indoor competition ‘The Golf League’ in January, with Werner investing in a Boston team.
“We’re partnering with Rory, a transcendent figure in golf, in an idea that I think will resonate not only with traditional golfers, but with many new golfers,” Werner said.
McIlroy was by far LIV’s most outspoken critic, speaking openly of his “hatred” of the Saudi-backed breakout circuit.
When shocking news of the merger emerged in June, McIlroy underlined his disdain for LIV but admitted that the partnership with the tours could be positive.
“Mixed emotions,” McIlroy said. ‘I still hate LIV. I hate LIV. I hope it goes away and I would bet it does.
“Ten years from now, I think this will ultimately be good for professional golf. It unites the country and secures its financial future.”
In addition to owning the Red Sox and English football team Liverpool – two of the most iconic teams in world sports – FSG also owns NHL team Pittsburgh Penguins.