07 February 2023 , 21:43
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LIV Golf generated 'virtually zero' revenue during its inaugural season according to the Saudi-backed series' lawyers. LIV shocked the world of professional golf in 2022 after luring in some of the sport's biggest names from the PGA Tour.
The breakaway circuit has been solely backed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, offering millions in signing on fees and prize money to those competing. The mega-money on offer attracted the likes of Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka to join up and turn their backs on the PGA Tour.
And after spending remarkable amounts on setting up the breakaway circuit, lawyers representing LIV noted in US federal court documents that same could not be said for funds coming in.
The Saudi-backed circuit currently finds itself in court due to an ongoing legal battle with their key rivals the PGA Tour. In response to players joining LIV Golf, the PGA Tour issued suspensions to all those who opted to defect.
LIV has since hit back at their American-based rivals, claiming their sanctions have 'damaged' the breakaway circuit's brand. Per The Guardian, the motion read: "Delay will equally harm LIV because the Tour continues its anticompetitive conduct while the litigation is pending,
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LIV Golf lawyers have confirmed the circuit generated 'virtually zero' revenue (Getty Images)"The Tour has damaged LIV’s brand, driven up its costs by hundreds of millions of dollars, and driven down revenues to virtually zero.” The motion also accused the PGA Tour of harming the careers of those who chose to make the switch, most notably Matt Jones and Peter Uihlein, who both received bans.
They added: "The prejudice to Plaintiffs Jones and Uihlein from delay is clear: they risk being unable to earn a living in their chosen profession during the prime of their careers. Mr Jones and Mr Uihlein have no secure ability to pursue their profession in 2024.
"Some Player Plaintiffs are not under contract with LIV past 2023, and are banned from the PGA Tour, the European Tour, and other tours around the world. Player Plaintiffs are denied playing opportunities they had earned and need resolution on the enforceability of the Tour’s Regulations, suspensions, and conduct."