Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau pitched $1 billion golf league

Ari Emanuel, executive chairman of WME Group and TKO Group Holdings, has revealed that professional golfers Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau once proposed a $1 billion investment for a new golf league. This pitch occurred prior to the launch of LIV Golf and the involvement of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Emanuel expressed initial enthusiasm for the proposal, noting that the vision was inspired by the structure of the English Premier League. He suggested that a new competition could have operated alongside the PGA Tour rather than acting as a direct rival, potentially avoiding the combative environment that eventually emerged in professional golf.

The revelation comes as LIV Golf faces financial uncertainty following the withdrawal of backing from the PIF. The league is currently seeking a fresh start through a targeted $300 million financing package, with BC Partners Credit committing to an initial investment. This new funding model, which may include player equity, represents a significant decrease from the estimated $5 billion invested by the PIF during LIV Golf’s first five seasons.