English Firms Sue LIV Golf and Saudi Backers Over Alleged World Golf League Idea Theft

World Golf Group and Premier Golf League sued in London's Commercial Court on 16 April, seeking $210 million to $630 million in damages from LIV Golf, Public Investment Fund, Golf Saudi and others, alleging breach of confidence and unlawful-means conspiracy.

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Andy Gardiner outlined a golf league in 2009, later forming Mayen Limited and adding Richard Marsh (2016) and Jed Moore (2017). Trio launched World Golf Group in 2018, refined the format and secured a $100 million commitment from Raine Group.

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• Summer 2009 – Gardiner conceives league idea.

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• March 2018 – World Golf Group launched.

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• Nov 13 2019 – PGL term sheet for $1 billion; PIF pledges $490 million.

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• June 2022 – LIV Golf holds inaugural tournament.

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• Apr 16 2024 – Lawsuit filed in London.

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Damages sought $210 million–$630 million. Funding includes a $100 million Raine Group pledge (2018), a $1 billion PGL term sheet (Nov 2019) with $490 million PIF commitment, and $5 billion PIF investment in LIV Golf. Contracts total $100 million; purses $25 million. O'Neil seeks $300 million financing.

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The complaint alleges defendants used claimants’ business plans, contracts and financial models to launch LIV Golf without permission. LIV Golf declined comment; no response from PGA Tour, DP World Tour or PIF is recorded.

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The suit notes PGA Tour officials threatened to ban players joining the PGL and that lack of Golf Ranking points deterred golfers. DP World Tour later partnered with the PGA Tour, sidelining the PGL proposal.

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The complaint calls LIV Golf a “bald facsimile” of PGL, yet LIV altered its format from 54 to 72 holes. ($210 million–$630 million) is not narrowed, and relationship between $490 million PIF commitment and $5 billion investment remains unclear.

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• "The Claimants conceived the idea for a new golf league called the Premier Golf League," — Complaint

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• "Over the course of several years, the Claimants refined the format of this league and produced business plans, contracts, financial models and other intellectual property belonging to the Claimants, which provided the blueprint for its launch and success." — Complaint

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• "The Defendants conspired together to use the Claimants' confidential information without the permission of the Claimants to launch the LIV Golf League." — Complaint

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• "LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil is attempting to raise $300 million to keep the venture going beyond this season." — ESPN report

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The Commercial Court will rule on the claims, potentially shaping future collaborations between sovereign wealth funds and professional golf. Scott O'Neil’s $300 million financing drive will determine whether LIV Golf can continue beyond the current season.

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