S E25: Thomas Friedman on Saudi Arabia, LIV and the $2 Billion Gamble about to fall apart

S E25: Thomas Friedman on Saudi Arabia, LIV and the $2 Billion Gamble about to fall apart

Author: Big Swing Media April 22, 2026 Duration: 33:03
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Thomas Friedman joins Jimmy Roberts on The Big Swing to break down the business, politics, and global strategy behind LIV Golf, the PGA Tour, and the future of the game.From Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to the economics of sports investment, this conversation goes far beyond headlines — diving into why LIV Golf may have been a flawed business model from the very beginning, and what its potential collapse means for players, fans, and the entire golf industry. With billions invested and no clear path forward, is LIV Golf sustainable? Or was it always destined to fail?In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, we cover:Why LIV Golf “never made sense” as an investmentThe real strategy behind Saudi Arabia’s sports expansionHow the PGA Tour was forced to respond to disruptionWhether LIV Golf can survive without continued fundingWhat happens to players, sponsors, and the global golf ecosystem nextWhy “nobody wins” from the current state of professional golfLIV Golf has already changed the landscape of professional golf — from player movement and prize money to media rights and global investment. But if LIV disappears… what’s left behind? This episode explores the ripple effects across the PGA Tour, the global golf economy, and the future of sports investment and media.If you care about golf, sports business, or where the industry is headed next — this is a conversation worth your full attention.🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify📺 Airing on Golf Channel every TuesdayThe Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts is produced by Big Swing Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by sixteen-time Emmy winner and broadcasting legend Jimmy Roberts, The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts goes far beyond the fairway. This isn't just another sports interview series; it's a deep exploration of the powerful forces and fascinating personalities driving the modern golf industry. Each episode features an intimate, one-on-one conversation with the executives, celebrities, and elite athletes who are actively shaping the game's future, from groundbreaking deals and major investments to the cultural trends redefining the sport. You'll hear candid stories and gain unparalleled access to the boardrooms and backstories behind the headlines. Presented by Big Swing Media, this podcast delivers a unique blend of sports, business, and insider perspective, offering listeners a sophisticated look at where the game is headed next. Tune in for thoughtful dialogues that reveal the strategy and passion fueling golf's biggest swings, both on and off the course.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 46

The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts
Podcast Episodes
S E5: The REAL Story Behind Grant Horvat’s Good Good Exit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:55
How did Grant Horvat go from teaching golf on TikTok to building one of the most-watched YouTube golf brands in the world? In this episode, Jimmy Roberts dives deep with the creator-turned-entrepreneur. They talk YouTube…
S E3: What's Next for Golf Media with Chad Mumm & Jon Miller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:47
From Happy Gilmore 2 to the collapse of Ryder Cup ratings, from LIV Golf’s stalled framework to the Netflix effect, this episode delivers insight, laughs, and serious business lessons — including some fun stories about s…
S E2: INSIDE the $200M+ Ryder Cup at Bethpage: How It All Happened [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:53
Jimmy Roberts goes behind the scenes with the power players shaping the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black: Guy Kinnings (CEO, Ryder Cup Europe), Jeff Price (Chief Commercial Officer, PGA of America), and Larry Schwartz (G…
S E1: Eastside Golf’s WILD Ride: From Broke to Barack [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:12
Eastside Golf founders Earl Cooper and Olajuwon Ajanaku join Jimmy Roberts to share how they turned a side hustle into a multi-million dollar brand—collabing with Jordan Brand and landing retailers like Nordstrom and Dic…