LIV Golf has named Scott O’Neil as its new CEO, marking the end of Greg Norman’s controversial reign at the helm of the Saudi-backed golf league.
O’Neil, who previously ran Merlin Entertainments, takes over immediately – just weeks before LIV’s fourth season tees off.
He’s no stranger to running major sports operations. Over his 25-year career, O’Neil has managed some of the biggest names in American sports, including the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Rangers.
“The opportunity to lead a global sports league is a dream come true,” O’Neil said after his appointment was announced.
LIV Golf’s Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan seems pretty excited about the change. “Scott has the passion, the tenacity, and the vision to continue leveraging LIV Golf’s position as a pre-eminent, global sports and entertainment company,” he said.
But what about Greg Norman?
The Australian golf legend, who’s been running LIV since October 2021, isn’t completely stepping away. He’ll stay involved with the organization, though his exact role hasn’t been spelled out.
Norman’s departure doesn’t come as a shock. He’d actually confirmed last month that he was being replaced, and rumors about O’Neil taking over have been circulating since November.
Looking back at his time as CEO, Norman seems satisfied with what he’s achieved. “With LIV Golf, we changed the game forever,” he said. “I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished.”
He’s also backing his replacement: “Scott is exactly the type of experienced professional who understands the unique and powerful combination of entertainment and sports that LIV Golf exemplifies.”
The timing is crucial. LIV’s new season kicks off in Riyadh on February 6th, giving O’Neil just a few weeks to settle into his new role.
It’s a big moment for the controversial golf league, which has shaken up the sport since its launch. With new leadership and the backing of Saudi Arabia’s deep pockets, all eyes will be on what happens next.
“LONG LIV GOLF!” Norman exclaimed in his farewell message – though whether the league’s next chapter will live up to those expectations remains to be seen.
