PGA Tour 'Players Also Become Shareholders'

Announcement of Establishment of For-Profit Corporation 'PGA Tour Enterprise'
Allocation of Shares to About 200 Qualified Players
PGA Members Expected to Secure Equity Stake Exceeding $1.5 Billion

Even PGA Tour players in the United States become shareholders.

Jay Monahan (left), PGA Tour Commissioner, and John Henry, Chairman of Fenway Sports Group, shake hands after finalizing the agreement to establish 'PGA Tour Enterprises.'
[Photo by PGA Tour]

On January 31 (local time), the PGA Tour announced, "We will establish a for-profit corporation called 'PGA Tour Enterprises' with $3 billion (about 4 trillion won) received from the investment consortium SSG," adding, "SSG, led by Fenway Sports Group, will initially invest $1.5 billion and later add another $1.5 billion." Jay Monahan, the commissioner, will manage PGA Tour Enterprises.

The PGA Tour Policy Board unanimously approved the establishment and operational plan of PGA Tour Enterprises. The Policy Board includes six active players: Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay, Peter Malnati, Webb Simpson, Jordan Spieth (all from the U.S.), and Adam Scott (Australia).

What stands out even more is that nearly 200 players will receive shares. However, this opportunity is only available to players who meet certain qualifications. Shares will be distributed based on career achievements, contributions, future participation, and service within the PGA Tour. A total of $1.5 billion is expected to be allocated. The players on the Policy Board welcomed this, saying, "It is important to participate more financially and strategically in the PGA Tour," and added, "This will not only help grow the business but also assist players in delivering their best performances."

Fenway Sports Group is a sports-specialized company that owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool FC, and the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Pittsburgh Penguins. SSG includes Cohen Private Ventures, the ownership group of Major League Baseball’s New York Mets; Arthur Blank, owner of the National Football League’s (NFL) Atlanta Falcons; and Mark Lasry, former owner of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Milwaukee Bucks.