Why Liverpool's FSG owner is meeting with Saudi Arabia PIF

Liverpool owner John W. Henry could be instrumental in resolving the stalemate between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Last summer, the golfing world was set ablaze when the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced their intention to merge, ending over a year of tension between the two entities.

However, the merger has yet to be fully realised - but that could soon change. ESPN reports that Henry is part of a subcommittee tasked with negotiating a deal that would see $1billion from PIF injected into the PGA Tour.

The founder of Fenway Sports Group, along with PGA Tour Enterprises chair Joe Gorder, Tiger Woods and Adam Scott, are attempting to negotiate a deal with PIF that would allow Saudi Arabia's PIF to invest in the PGA Tour. He is also part of the Strategic Sports Group (SSG), who earlier this year invested a staggering $3bn into the PGA Tour.

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In June 2023, a framework for a deal between the two parties, including the DP World Tour, to unify the sport had been agreed upon. However, the deadline for that agreement expired last year on December 31st, reports Liverpool.com.

Despite both sides remaining committed to the merger, there has been no significant breakthrough that would see the sport reunified after years of conflict.

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan last month emphasised the importance of dialogue and conversation for the future of the sport, stating: "I would say that the priority, it's been enhanced," and "It's stronger. That's a direct result of dialogue and conversation and really starting to talk about the future, future product vision and where we can take our sport.

"I think when you get into productive conversations, that enhances the likelihood of positive outcomes and that enhances the spirit of those very conversations. I think that's where things stand."