PGA Tour Bows to Saudi Rival in Shock Deal With LIV Golf (2)

The PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf agreed to a shock merger, ending a seismic dispute and underscoring how the Middle East kingdom’s money is increasingly influencing sports around the world.

The battle has captivated fans and split players, after LIV Golf threw down millions to lure some of the biggest players away from the traditional PGA Tour to its louder, brasher rival. With its livelihood threatened, the PGA soon found itself in an acrimonious legal battle, with billions of dollars at stake for the golf leagues, TV networks, advertisers and athletes.

“After two years of disruption and distraction, this ...