Following the PGA Tour’s rejection of a $1.5 billion investment from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), LIV Golf finds itself at a crossroads.
The collapsed merger, which would have united the rival circuits under a shared commercial banner, has left LIV Golf’s leadership undeterred but reflective. With the PIF’s deep pockets intact and a renewed resolve to compete independently, sources indicate LIV is poised to revamp its format for the 2026 season, aiming to boost viewership, attract top talent, and solidify its place in professional golf.
The breakdown of talks — marked by nearly two years of stalled negotiations since the June 2023 framework agreement — has prompted LIV Golf to rethink its approach. The PGA Tour’s refusal to accept LIV as a separate entity, coupled with its insistence on a unified premier circuit, ended hopes of reconciliation.
“We’re done chasing a merger,” a LIV insider said this week. “Now it’s about making LIV the most exciting product in golf.”
The league’s current model — 54-hole events, shotgun starts, and a team-based structure — has drawn both praise and criticism since its 2022 debut.
With the PGA Tour out of the picture, LIV sees an opportunity to evolve.
One expected change is an expansion to 72 holes for select marquee events, aligning more closely with traditional golf while preserving LIV’s distinct flair. Insiders suggest that four or five “LIV Majors” could anchor the season, offering larger purses—potentially $50 million or more — and a format tweak to attract purists and casual fans alike.
“They’ll keep the 54-hole DNA for most events, but adding 72-hole showcases could lure players who’ve hesitated,” said a golf analyst.
The move might also appease critics who’ve dismissed LIV’s shorter format as less competitive, especially after Jon Rahm’s 2023 signing highlighted the league’s ability to land major champions.
Team play, a cornerstone of LIV’s identity, is also slated for a revamp. The current 12-team, 48-player structure has struggled to resonate with viewers, with franchises like the Cleeks and Iron Heads failing to build strong fanbases.
LIV is reportedly considering a reduction to eight or ten teams, each with deeper rosters—possibly five or six players—to enhance rivalries and storytelling.
“They want every team to feel like a Ryder Cup squad,” a source said.
A draft system for new signings, paired with increased player trades between teams, could add drama and keep the offseason buzzing.
Shotgun starts, a LIV hallmark, may see adjustments too. While popular with players for their efficiency, the simultaneous tee-offs have confused some viewers and complicated broadcasts. Plans are underway to experiment with staggered starts for final rounds or high-stakes events, allowing for more traditional leaderboard tension.
“They’re not scrapping the shotgun entirely — it’s part of the brand — but they’re listening to feedback,” noted a broadcast consultant familiar with LIV’s strategy.
Enhanced TV production, including more player mics and real-time data, is also in the works to capitalize on LIV’s “louder, bolder” ethos.
Perhaps the boldest shift is a rumored global expansion. With the PIF’s $1.5 billion war chest freed up, LIV aims to boost its schedule from 14 to 20-plus events by 2027, targeting untapped markets in Asia, South America, and Africa.
“They want to be the first truly global golf league,” said an industry insider. New venues could include iconic courses excluded from the PGA Tour rota, paired with LIV’s signature music-and-party vibe to draw younger crowds. A season-ending “World Championship” with a $100 million purse — open to qualifiers from other tours — might further legitimize LIV’s standing.
Player recruitment remains central to these changes. After signing only Rahm during the protracted merger talks, LIV is expected to leverage its funds for a 2026 roster overhaul, potentially offering nine-figure deals to top PGA Tour stars. A more competitive format could sweeten the pitch.
“Players want money, but they also want credibility,” said a player agent. “These tweaks show LIV’s serious about both.”
As the 2025 season nears its sweet spot, with the Masters next week pitting LIV and PGA stars against each other, the golf world watches LIV’s next move. The deal’s collapse has lit a fire under the Saudi-backed circuit, and its format overhaul signals a clear message: LIV Golf isn’t just surviving — it’s aiming to redefine the sport. Whether it succeeds may hinge on execution, star power, and a fanbase ready for change.
LIV Majors
- New Tournaments: 4-5 LIV Signature events.
- Bigger Purses: LIV Majors will offer $50 million purses.
- 72 Holes: LIV Majors will be played over 4 days and the traditional 72 holes.
- Bigger Fields: LIV Majors expected to have fields of up 80 players.
- Staggered Starts: Replace shotgun starts in LIV Majors with traditional staggered tee times to increase leaderboard tension.
- Open Qualifying: Fields will be open to players from all tours based on qualifications.
- World Ranking Eligible: LIV Majors should qualify for OWGR points via 72 holes and larger fields.
- World Championship: A season ending Super event with a $100 million purse — open to qualifiers from other tours — to further legitimize LIV’s standing.
Other Changes
- Reducing Number of Teams: Slimming the teams to about 8 teams, each with deeper rosters to enhance rivalries and storytelling.
- Increase Roster Size: Each roster will feature deeper rosters— about six players. “They want every team to feel like a Ryder Cup squad,” a source said.
- Staggered Tee Times: Implement tee times for final round instead of shotgun starts. It’s been the biggest critique of LIV Golf from TV viewers (who’s played the par 5s?).
- More Events: Increase number events from 14 to 20.
- Lean into Global Schedule: Target untapped markets in places like France, Italy, U.K., Germany, Japan, and South Africa.
