**Scott O'Neil Expected to Replace Greg Norman as LIV Golf CEO**

According to sources, LIV Golf appears poised to appoint former NBA and NHL executive Scott O'Neil as its new CEO and commissioner, filling the role previously held by Greg Norman. While the deal has not yet been finalized, an announcement could be imminent, potentially occurring as soon as next week.

O'Neil boasts an impressive track record, having served as the CEO of the Philadelphia 76ers starting in 2013. He later took on broader responsibilities, managing both the 76ers and the NHL's New Jersey Devils as the CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. His most recent role was as CEO of Merlin Entertainments, a London-based giant in amusement parks and resorts. On Wednesday, Merlin Entertainments revealed that O'Neil would step down from his position at the end of the year, noting that he was pursuing "another opportunity."

Greg Norman, aged 69, has indicated that he plans to stay involved with LIV Golf in some manner, despite this prospective leadership change. He disclosed to Sports Illustrated that his contract with the organization is valid until August 2025. When approached for comments, a LIV Golf spokesperson chose not to respond.

The first report about O'Neil being targeted for the position by LIV Golf came from Sports Business Journal. Norman, renowned for his two Open Championship victories, significantly impacted men's professional golf by attracting high-profile PGA Tour players to the LIV Golf circuit, which has been financially supported by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund for the past three years. Among those lured by Norman were major champions like Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm, all enticed by guaranteed contracts exceeding $100 million.

O'Neil's resume also includes a stint as the president of Madison Square Garden and roles within the NBA. The future of LIV Golf seems intertwined with ongoing negotiations involving the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Entities have been in discussions for months about an agreement that could see the PIF injecting over $1 billion into PGA Tour Enterprises, a new for-profit entity created by the tour and Strategic Sports Group. A framework agreement aimed at forming an alliance was signed by the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and PIF on June 6, 2023, but this deal expired on January 1. However, negotiations are continuing in pursuit of a potential partnership.