PGA Tour deal with LIV Golf in doubt, Fenway chairman confirms talks with the PGA Tour.

• The PGA Tour has had "talks" with Fenway Sports Group Chairman Tom Werner.
• The proposed business combination between the PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf has raised concerns among golf organizations, including Fenway.

On Monday, Tom Werner, Chairman of Fenway Sports Group, admitted that the company has engaged in discussions with the PGA Tour amidst growing uncertainty about the future of the golf organization's agreement with Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

Werner confirmed to CNBC's Scott Wapner during "Halftime Report" that they had conversations, but declined to provide additional information.

PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy and Werner, who spoke together, stated that the players will determine the tour's future direction.

Speculation is increasing that Fenway, the owner of the MLB's Boston Red Sox and soccer team Liverpool FC, may make an offer that could surpass the Saudis' bid. The PGA Tour-LIV Golf combination was never finalized beyond a framework agreement. Last week, veteran golf journalist Alan Shipnuck posted on X that Fenway Sports Group has made a "monster bid to usurp the PIF."

The interview with Werner and McIlroy took place on Monday, following the revelation that the PGA Tour had rejected a strategic partnership with a company that holds a significant stake in both WWE and UFC's parent.

In June, the PGA Tour-LIV deal was announced, which came after months of legal battles and lobbying. The agreement sparked anger and criticism, prompting Senate hearings to investigate the deal. Critics claimed that the deal was a way for Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund to gain influence in the U.S. through sports investments, with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman controlling the PIF.

In July, McIlroy openly expressed his dislike for LIV Golf, stating that if it was the only option for playing golf, he would choose to retire.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were lured to LIV Golf with deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars, prompting speculation that McIlroy's efforts to launch the PGA Tour-blessed TGL golf league with Woods was a response to LIV's encroachment on the sport. Last month, Disney's ESPN secured the broadcast rights for TGL, and Fenway backs McIlroy's TGL team, Boston Common.

On Monday, McIlroy expressed a more amicable tone when questioned about the possibility of a revived competition between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

McIlroy stated to CNBC that the competitive golf landscape is currently fragmented. However, he hopes that after everything is resolved, the PIF will be involved and golf will be united once again.