It’s the rumour that just won’t go away and now, according to a story published by City A.M. – London’s most-read financial and business newspaper – Rory McIlroy is on the brink of signing a blockbuster deal with LIV Golf that would stun the golf world.
According to sources close to the matter, LIV Golf executives have put forth a staggering $850 million offer to entice the world No.2, along with approximately two percent equity stake in the LIV Golf League. If accepted, it could see McIlroy make his LIV Golf debut as early as April 26-28 at LIV Golf Adelaide at Grange Golf Club.
The report indicated Mcllroy would likely play out the remainder of the 2024 LIV Golf season as a wildcard, like American comeback kid Anthony Kim, before being added to the league’s team format from 2025 onwards.
“Two separate sources have told City A.M. that they believe a deal is close,” the City AM story said.
“It is claimed that LIV Golf chiefs have offered world No.2 McIlroy an eye-watering $850m to join, plus around two percent equity in the competition. It would make him LIV Golf’s biggest signing so far and it could be announced after the Masters, they said.”
The bombshell claim follows LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman’s much-publicised visit to Augusta National last week to support LIV golfers taking part in the Masters. Curiously – or coincidently – he also followed McIlroy’s group.
Despite McIlroy’s previous staunch opposition to LIV Golf, his stance has notably softened in recent months since he resigned as a player director on the PGA Tour’s policy board following the PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s announcement of a controversial framework agreement. The shock collaboration, negotiated behind closed doors in secrecy, left McIlroy feeling like a “sacrificial lamb”.
“It’s hard not to feel like I was a sacrificial lamb. I’ve come to terms with it. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that this is what’s going to happen,” McIlroy said at the time.
McIlroy’s former agent, Andrew “Chubby” Chandler, hinted at the possibility of McIlroy’s transition to LIV Golf earlier this year, suggesting a shift in attitude towards leaving the PGA Tour behind.
“If you were being cynical, you might say he’s going to sign for about £750m in a month’s time with LIV because he’s paving the way that LIV’s OK now, whereas it wasn’t,” Chandler told Bunkered in February. “He doesn’t need £750m but it’s odd what he’s done and I’m sure it’s a possibility. If he does it or not, I don’t know, but if [Jon] Rahm can do it, most guys can do it.”
A rather coy McIlroy did little to knock the Chubby chatter on the head when quizzed about it just a few days later, saying: “You never know, he might know a few things, who knows?”
LIV Golf’s Christmas signing of Jon Rahm, McIlroy’s Ryder Cup teammate, is also believed to have played a role in softening McIlroy’s ill-feelings towards the Saudi-back tour.
As of right now, nothing is confirmed from either camp.
“Spokespeople for the Northern Irish player and LIV Golf did not respond to requests for comment,” the City AM report said.
