Endeavor, PGA Tour End Talks on Possible Investment, Wider Partnership – Sportico.com

Endeavor’s ambitions to invest in the PGA Tour have been declined, according to Endeavor president and COO Mark Shapiro. Despite being avid golf fans, Endeavor will not be making any investment at this time.

The offer made by Endeavor involved a strategic partnership that would expand their collaboration with the PGA Tour, covering various aspects such as commercial rights, tournament management, and more. Endeavor had proposed a multiyear deal worth $25 million annually, with a desire to lead a group that would acquire less than 10% of a PGA investment vehicle.

The potential investment would have come through TKO Group Holdings, a publicly traded entity that includes UFC and WWE and is majority-owned by Endeavor. The exact financial details and other members of the investment group have not been disclosed.

The PGA Tour is currently in discussions with Saudi-backed LIV Golf and the main European Tour regarding a commercial merger. Various groups have presented alternative financing proposals during these talks.

While it remains uncertain whether the PGA Tour will proceed with Saudi Arabia’s PIF fund as the sole backer, it’s worth noting that recent geopolitical events, including the Hamas terror attacks and the response from the Israeli military, may impact progress and potential deals in the Middle East.

Representatives for the PGA Tour and PIF have confirmed Endeavor’s failed investment offer but have not given further details on ongoing discussions.

Endeavor has a long-standing partnership with the PGA Tour through its IMG unit, which handles tour sponsorships and event management. The proposed expansion would have covered additional services such as hospitality, media rights, and analytics. Despite the rejection, Endeavor hopes to continue growing its partnership with the PGA Tour in the future.

These developments come during a busy period for Endeavor, which recently acquired WWE and completed the spin-off of TKO Holdings. The company is considering strategic alternatives for its future, including a potential proposal from its largest shareholder, Silver Lake, to take the business private.

The PGA Tour’s plan to merge its commercial interests with LIV Golf and the main European Tour, with PIF as the exclusive outside backer, was announced in June. The progress of this merger and the exploration of other possibilities remain unclear.