Saudi-backed LIV Golf to merge with PGA Tour

Saudi-financed golf league LIV Golf is merging with the PGA Tour, the organization announced Tuesday.

The news comes after the two golf organizations have been involved in antitrust lawsuits in the last year. The deal would end all pending litigation.

“After two years of disruption and distraction, this is a historic day for the game we all know and love,” said PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan in a statement.

The plan also includes merging DP World Tour with LIV Golf and PGA Tour. The organizations will form a new entity, with a name still being determined, to “implement a plan to grow these combined commercial businesses, drive greater fan engagement and accelerate growth initiatives already underway," according to the statement.

“With LIV Golf in the midst of its second, groundbreaking season, the PGA TOUR, DP World Tour and PIF will work together to best feature and grow team golf going forward,” the PGA Tour said in the statement.

LIV Golf’s reputation has faced withering criticism from human rights activists, 9/11 families and lawmakers from both parties for its ties to the Saudi royal family.

Last week, GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy fired one of the firms consulting for his campaign after it was revealed that the firm had simultaneously been doing public relations work for LIV Golf.

“We are proud to partner with the PGA TOUR to leverage PIF’s unparalleled success and track record of unlocking value and bringing innovation and global best practices to business and sectors worldwide," Public Investment Fund Gov. Yasir Al-Rumayyan said in the statement.