How Saudi Arabia Took on Pro Golf — and Won

<p>Last week, golf’s premier circuit, the PGA Tour, announced it was partnering with its rival circuit LIV Golf, an upstart league backed by Saudi Arabia, giving the country a powerful new seat at the table of international sports.</p><p>Alan Blinder, who covers golf for The New York Times, explains what was behind the deal and what it means for the business of sports.</p><p>Guest: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/alan-blinder">Alan Blinder</a>, a reporter who covers golf and health for The New York Times.</p><p>Background reading: </p><ul><li>The deal to merge LIV Golf with the PGA Tour <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/07/world/middleeast/us-saudi-arabia-liv-golf.html">is a big win for oil-rich Saudi Arabia</a>, headlining a banner week that also includes a visit from the American secretary of state.</li><li>The U.S. Senate<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/12/sports/golf/pga-liv-merger-senate-probe.html"> opened an inquiry</a> into the PGA Tour’s deal with LIV Golf.</li></ul><p>For more information on today’s episode, visit <a href="http://nytimes.com/thedaily?smid=pc-thedaily">nytimes.com/thedaily</a>. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.</p>