PGA Tour commissioner reveals discussions with potential investors prior to Saudi deal expiration.

• Other parties are also considering joining the PGA Tour's investment agreement with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, according to PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan.
• Before reaching a deal earlier this year, the tour faced an "existential threat" from PIF-owned LIV Golf.
• During the controversy over the deal, Monahan shared his own struggles with mental and physical health.

The PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan, stated on Wednesday that the organization is in discussions with several potential investors as the deadline to finalize a deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund quickly approaches.

Another investor can join the tour alongside the PIF, as indicated by him.

Monahan stated during The New York Times’ DealBook summit that the fund, which is controlled by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is having conversations with multiple parties. He also mentioned that the Dec. 31 deadline outlined in the original framework agreement is still a "firm target," and he will meet with PIF Governor Yasir bin Othman Al-Rumayyan to "advance conversations."

Earlier this year, the framework agreement for combining the PGA Tour with LIV Golf, owned by PIF, was revealed by Monahan.

The PGA Tour was facing an existential threat from the $7 billion sovereign wealth fund, and it was determined to control the future of our sport, as Monahan stated.

The PGA Tour and LIV were involved in an antitrust lawsuit that began last year, with the Public Investment Fund offering lucrative deals to PGA Tour golfers, including Phil Mickelson, to join LIV.

We struck a deal with the PGA Tour to retain control and end the extensive and divisive litigation, Monahan said. This was a difficult decision, but I am confident it was the right one for our players and our fans.

Monahan faced criticism from lawmakers, pundits, and celebrities such as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy for his agreement with the Saudis, and he also shared his own personal struggles during this time.

The commissioner announced that he was taking medical leave just days after the deal was finalized. He explained that on the morning of June 11, he went for a long walk, prayed, and returned home to tell his wife that he was struggling and needed assistance.

The conflict impacted my mental and physical health, as I stated on Wednesday. You're not eating properly, and you're constantly preoccupied with work because you're so passionate about the game, the PGA Tour, our players, and our history. This took a toll on me.

Saudi Arabia's ties to the deal were questioned by key U.S. lawmakers, who suggested that the proposed merger was an attempt by the Saudi government to divert attention from its human rights record and gain excessive influence through sports investments.

The agreement with the PGA Tour has sparked interest from potential investors, including Fenway Sports Group and Endeavor Group Holdings. While the PGA Tour rejected Endeavor's offer last month, Fenway's bid remains uncertain following confirmation of talks between the firm and the PGA earlier this month. It is unclear whether Fenway's involvement would align with or replace the Saudis' bid.

The tour announced earlier this month that it would offer players equity ownership in the new company following the merger in an effort to gain their support.

The PGA Tour will have athlete ownership after the merger, and with the help of the PIF and another co-investor with business and sports experience, it will take market share from other sports and become more competitive.

Monahan stated that the most crucial aspect for our players is their transition from being independent contractors to being owners.