The Challenges Facing the PGA-LIV Merger, Explained

The deal combining golf’s two biggest players faces scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers.

By Grayson Logue

Jun 23, 2023

Dustin Johnson of Aces GC tees off on the fifth hole during day one of the LIV Golf Invitational - DC at Trump National Golf Club on May 26, 2023, in Sterling, Virginia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf appear to be moving toward the final merger agreement they announced in early June. Yet specific details remain unclear. Both parties agreed to dismiss the two lawsuits against each other this week, ending a battle that had forced the PGA Tour to reportedly spend nearly $50 million on legal bills.

But now the PGA Tour and LIV are facing legal and political scrutiny that could sink it before it happens.

What is the Justice Department investigating?

The Justice Department’s antitrust division has reportedly decided to investigate the merger on antitrust grounds, and getting a clean signoff from the competition authority may not be easy.

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