Home/NBA

via Imago

via Imago

LeBron James is yet again to reap the benefits of smart business decisions. When James partnered with Fenway Sports Group (FSG) in 2011, brokered by Maverick Carter, it was a historic moment. We all know Bron isn’t lacking those. This season alone saw him breaking and making historic NBA records! At the top of the game, investing in a major US consortium like FSG was certainly a bold move.

The profit has been nothing short of remarkable. LeBron’s entering the billionaire club is courtesy of investment deals like this. And now, it seems like the 39-year-old billionaire could get millions via the involvement of FSG in the PGA Tour vs LIV Golf negotiations.

LeBron James finds himself at the richer end in the latest FSG deal

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Golf is a much-loved hobby of many NBA players. While Stephen Curry is the first name that comes to mind when talking NBA and golf in one breath, LeBron James also finds himself amid golf talks. The reason is the latest investment deal that the PGA Tour concluded with a US Consortium, Strategic Sports Group, or SSG. And Fenway primarily leads SSG. According to sources familiar with the deal, the initial investment alone is around $3 billion.

The tour is trying to increase its appeal by launching a for-profit entity called the PGA Tour Enterprises through this deal which is rumored to be valued at around $12 billion. The entity will manage all of PGA’s commercial business. Now comes the juicy part – the players get an equity stake in this latest venture.

Tiger Woods, one of the six player-directors, was all in for this new partnership. He was one of the few who couldn’t be swayed by the lucrative contracts Saudi put forth. Other notable names include Arthur Blank, who owns the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons; Mark Attanasio, owner of MLB’s Milwaukee Brewers; Tom Ricketts, chairman of MLB’s Chicago Cubs; Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets; Wyc Grousbeck, owner of the Boston Celtics; and Marc Lasry, the former co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Valued at around $12 billion, there is no doubt that PGA Tour Enterprises will pay handsomely. And James, among others, is on the receiving end. Yet, there is still no end to the negotiations between LIV and PGA.

LIV Golf continues its talks with PGA past the deadline

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

After a tumultuous legal battle between the Saudi-owned LIV and PGA, the golf world was shocked when they announced their intention to form a merger. Launched in 2022, LIV Golf was successful in drawing big names like Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, and more with lucrative contracts. So, it wasn’t surprising when they went head-to-head.

Read More: 20 Days After PGA Tour Betrayal, LeBron James’ $8,000,000,000 Endeavor Joins Forces With Tiger Woods To Battle LIV Golf

Yet, considering the instability in the finances and a stable future for the sport itself, the pair had entered into the negotiation phase. LIV is fully backed by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund and PGA is still hoping they will become an important stakeholder in the new venture. December 31st was set as the deadline for reaching a consensus. But based on the progress of the discussion and the sensitive nature of the deal, the talks continue.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Hopefully, they can reach a favorable decision. If not, the pro golfers will have a difficult choice to make!

Watch This Story: 3 Major Takeaways as the $3B PGA Tour-PIF Merger Deadline Gets Extended, per Reports