LIV Golf Has Found Greg Norman’s Replacement

It appears that LIV Golf will be going with a proven executive to replace Greg Norman as CEO. 

Sports Business Journal reported that LIV is closing in on hiring Scott O’Neil as early as next week. O’Neil had worked as CEO of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils over the past decade.

LIV Golf is in advanced discussions with former 76ers and Devils CEO Scott O’Neil for its top executive position https://t.co/tNQFmepX17 pic.twitter.com/eNnfiTsssT

— Josh Carpenter (@JoshACarpenter) November 27, 2024

He is currently the CEO of Merlin Entertainments, which runs Legoland theme parks, Madame Tussaud’s wax museums, and several other attractions and resorts. O’Neil informed the Merlin board that he is leaving that post at the end of the year for “another opportunity.” 

Norman, who said in recent months that his contract with LIV runs through June 2025, was the public face of LIV before it teed off and during its inaugural season in 2022. 

He was a very public figure for LIV through the beginning of the 2023 season, but his appearances began to dwindle after the framework agreement between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – the financial backers of LIV – in June 2023. 

That deal has yet to be finalized, but negotiations have continued long past the original deadline of Dec. 31, 2023. 

Golf Channel said that Norman could continue with LIV in a more commissioner-type role. 

LIV has not commented on the report.

Cover Image via Greg Norman