Rory McIlroy has predicted that players will leave LIV Golf as the breakaway league undergoes a major restructuring. LIV Golf announced on Tuesday that it is working with new lead investor BC Partners to relaunch as "LIV 2.0" next year, after filing for bankruptcy protection in a New Jersey Court. The move follows Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) cutting funding at the end of the 2026 season, having spent $5bn (£3.6bn) since the league's inception in 2021.

McIlroy, speaking ahead of the Amgen Irish Open, said LIV 2.0 looks less attractive financially than the original version. "I'm not in their shoes, but LIV 1.0 at the start looked a lot more attractive than what LIV 2.0 might be from a financial standpoint," he said. He predicted some players would leave, which he believes would strengthen traditional tours.

Stars including Jon Rahm and Bryson De Chambeau have been coy about their futures, though Rahm said he has a contract with LIV "more than willing to fulfil." McIlroy added that the DP World Tour's alliance with the PGA Tour is strong, and incorporating LIV players into events like the BMW PGA Championship would make them more competitive.

"The health of the DP World Tour is in a really good spot," McIlroy said. "Overall, with the way things are working out, it's a very good thing for the golf ecosystem."