Navigating the Potential Link-Up Between the PGA Tour and LIV: Lessons from Past Sports Mergers

As the PGA Tour and LIV navigate their potential partnership, it’s clear that the history of sports leagues merging or competing can provide valuable insights into what may lie ahead. From the NFL-AFL merger to the NBA-ABA deal, there are lessons to be learned about how leagues can come together and create a unified front.

Players like Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas have voiced concerns about LIV players returning to the PGA Tour without making a significant contribution. On the other hand, Dustin Johnson argues that those who took the risk to join LIV should be compensated for their efforts. These differing viewpoints mirror the conflicts that have arisen in past league mergers.

Looking back at the NFL-AFL merger, we see how two competing leagues were able to find common ground and create a successful partnership. The NBA-ABA deal also showcases how leagues can come together to capitalize on each other’s strengths and innovations.

While the road to a potential PGA Tour-LIV partnership may be rocky, history has shown that it is possible for competing leagues to find a way to coexist and thrive. As golf fans eagerly await the outcome of this potential collaboration, they can look to the past for guidance on how leagues can overcome their differences and work towards a common goal.