Rory McIlroy said it is likely some competitors will depart LIV Golf after the breakaway series filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States, and suggested that the change could be positive for the DP World Tour.
Restructuring and player movement
The Saudi-backed circuit, which launched its first event in 2022, filed a Chapter 11 petition on Tuesday that organisers say is intended to "preserve the company’s business as a going concern" while a restructuring is carried out. The reorganisation plan, according to statements accompanying the filing, envisages the tour becoming largely player-owned and entering a new phase in early 2027 after fresh investment.
BC Partners has been identified as a new investor and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) has agreed to provide US$49.6m in debtor‑in‑possession financing to support LIV during the restructuring. How many top names will stay with the reorganised entity is unclear; some of LIV’s leading players, including Jon Rahm, have been linked with a return to the PGA Tour.
"I think that means other tours have decisions to make," McIlroy said, reflecting on the likelihood of some players leaving after the bankruptcy filing.
Implications for the DP World Tour and PGA Tour
Speaking at a press conference ahead of his defence at the Irish Open, McIlroy said the expected departures could be "a good thing" for the DP World Tour because they would strengthen tournament fields and competitiveness. He described the health of the DP World Tour as "in a really good spot" and pointed to its "wonderful alliance" with the PGA Tour.
He also noted the PGA Tour’s growing cooperation with the DP World Tour for international events during a period of the season when some PGA players have limited tournament commitments, implying opportunities for reintegration of players into established schedules.
- Filing: LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 reorganisation in the United States.
- Investor and financing: BC Partners identified as new investor; PIF to provide US$49.6m of debtor‑in‑possession financing.
- Ownership plan: Reorganised company expected to be majority‑owned by LIV players, new era slated for early 2027.
What is certain — and what remains open
Certain elements are straightforward: the Chapter 11 filing temporarily shields LIV from creditor actions while it implements a restructuring plan and the PIF financing is intended to keep the business operating in the interim. Beyond that, considerable uncertainty remains about the composition of playing fields, contractual arrangements and whether the reconstituted LIV will retain its earlier financial appeal to recruits.
McIlroy, who has been a vocal critic of the breakaway series, stopped short of predicting specific moves but said that contracts may have been effectively loosened by the bankruptcy process, making departures more likely. If a number of leading players do return to the PGA Tour or the DP World Tour, it would have immediate effects on tournament quality, sponsorship dynamics and broadcasting arrangements.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| PIF interim financing | US$49.6m (stated) |
| Expected ownership | Majority by LIV players (as described by organisers) |
| Target for new era | Early 2027 |
The coming months will test the resilience and strategy of all parties: LIV as it seeks to restructure, BC Partners as a new investor, the PIF in its reduced role, and the established tours as they assess whether to welcome returning players and how to organise international events. For the DP World Tour, McIlroy believes the situation could translate into stronger fields and closer working ties with the PGA Tour, but many practical questions about contracts, calendar integration and commercial rights will need resolving before that outcome is realised.
