Rory McIlroy, the world number two and reigning Masters champion, has long been one of the most vocal critics of LIV Golf. But in a surprising shift, the six-time major winner now says the PGA Tour should be open to welcoming players back from the Saudi-backed series—if they want to return.

McIlroy's comments come amid reports that the Saudi Public Investment Fund will stop funding LIV Golf after the 2026 season, leaving the rebel tour scrambling for new investors to stay afloat beyond its scheduled August finish. While McIlroy doesn't predict LIV's immediate collapse, he questions its long-term viability. "It doesn't mean that LIV is going to go away," he said. "They're going to go and try and find alternative investment. But when one of the wealthiest sovereign wealth funds in the world thinks that you're too expensive for them, that sort of says something."

The PGA Tour has already tested the waters with a temporary pathway for some LIV players—five-time major winner Brooks Koepka took advantage to return. Now, with LIV's future uncertain, dozens of players, including major winners like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, could be looking for a spot back on the traditional tour. DeChambeau has also hinted at focusing more on his YouTube ventures, adding another layer of intrigue.

McIlroy acknowledged that any comeback won't be seamless. "There's going to be a lot of bridges to cross," he admitted. But he emphasized that the PGA Tour should prioritize what strengthens the game. "Brian Rolapp has said anything that makes this tour stronger, anything that makes the DP World Tour stronger, I think everyone should be open to that. That's just good business practice."

For golf fans and players alike, the landscape is shifting. Whether LIV can secure new investors or not, the door may be creaking open for a reunion—and McIlroy, once a fierce opponent, is now signaling that the sport is better together.