Norman remains focused on LIV's future
Despite 'headwinds' and rumors of change in status, CEO/commish soldiers on
Greg Norman has been on the job for LIV Golf for four years (David Cannon/Getty Images)
The subject of Greg Norman’s tenure with LIV Golf and how it may or may not impact a potential deal for the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia continues to be of interest as the alternative league approaches its fourth season and with no agreement apparently imminent.
Norman’s controversial tenure was marked early on by strong comments from Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy that the Great White Shark needed to be gone for there to be any chance of reconciliation.
But Norman, 69, shoulders on. And despite a recent Sports Business Journal story saying that the PIF is looking to replace him as CEO, the two-time major winner has continued to work toward a LIV future, regardless of where his deal with the PIF stands.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Norman addressed that topic.
“I’ll answer it this way: My contract is through August of 2025,” he said. “My commitment to LIV has been unquestioned and my commitment into the future is also unquestioned. Time will tell. Will there be a change in my role? My position and my role is to deliver 2025 and get our schedule done and all the things we need to do.”
Norman is also the commissioner of LIV Golf and could remain in that role even if a new CEO is hired. Or he could remain as an advisor. Or perhaps leave altogether, although that seems unlikely unless that is his call.
By next August, he will have been on the job for four years and it makes sense that the PIF might want a CEO more focused on the business operations.
In the interview with SI, Norman also addressed that the lack of a deal with between the PIF and the PGA Tour causes uncertainty with any potential TV deal as well as sponsorship issues — or as he called them, “headwinds.”
“Where we’re falling short is due to the headwinds in not getting a network (TV) deal,” Norman said. “That creates uncertainty in the marketplace. (A lot of companies say) let’s see what happens. That rolls into sponsorship. We have an enormous number of big corporations who are talking to us and would be very keen to come on.”
Norman also addressed what he believed to be LIV’s successes through three years and how the league has leaned into the team concept even more.
“What has surprised me is the overall acceptance and desire and willingness of our team captains and our other team members who want the team concept,” Norman said. “We want to grow our teams. All of a sudden, I would go back to the 26th tournament, which would have been about May of this year, and the light bulb went off in the captains’ heads. They saw the opportunity that lay ahead of them with growing their franchise and finally realized it.”