Asian Tour partners with PGA Tour, DP World Tour in surprise and significant blow to LIV Golf's future
The professional golf landscape shifted on Tuesday as the Asian Tour announced a formal partnership with the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. This move brings the Asian Tour into the existing strategic alliance established by the PGA and DP World circuits. The deal creates defined pathways for top-performing Asian Tour athletes to secure playing privileges on the DP World Tour and its secondary circuit starting in the 2027 season.
This development isolates LIV Golf, which previously held a close relationship with the Asian Tour. LIV Golf had invested roughly $300 million into the Asian Tour since 2022 to develop tournament opportunities and recruitment pipelines. That arrangement effectively ends with this new agreement, removing a key component of LIV Golf’s stated business model.
Industry insiders note that LIV Golf leadership was not informed of these negotiations until Monday. The deal was finalized during the British Open at Royal Birkdale, marking a significant hurdle for a league already facing financial instability. LIV Golf currently faces the expiration of funding from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund following the conclusion of the 2026 season.
LIV Golf remains in a precarious position as it seeks $250 million in new capital to operate beyond this year. The league has reportedly explored contingency plans, including potential bankruptcy filings, while navigating ongoing litigation regarding its formation. With this partnership now solidified between the three established tours, LIV Golf loses a major partner just as it attempts to restructure its business for the future.