Senate Democrats yesterday "lit into the PGA Tour" for striking a deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, arguing that the agreement "reeks of hypocrisy and that U.S. regulators must examine it." Democrats added the merger "will need a green light" from regulators "given the millions of dollars that is set to boost the league via the PIF." Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) added that he "expects the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will look into the deal" (THE HILL, 6/6).
The deal is "sure to spark fresh antitrust concerns" at the U.S. Department of Justice. Senate Finance Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) called the deal a "brazen, shameless cash grab" and "vowed to dive into every piece" of the agreement. Even before the deal was announced, 9/11 Families United "demanded that DOJ investigate what the group alleged were 'numerous disturbing violations of FARA'" following the retroactive registration last month of consulting firm Gitcho Goodwin for months of PR work on LIV's behalf (POLITICO, 6/6).
The Tour's "sudden willingness to take money they had derided" drew "bipartisan skepticism from Washington lawmakers. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), who had "championed the Tour's fight against LIV," said, "I wonder if the PGA Tour -- having wrapped itself in the flag -- invited 9/11 families to the big announcement? I guess not, because money was worth more than principle, apparently" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 6/6).
