LIV Golf Settles $100 Million Trademark Lawsuit for $1 Million Amid Financial Struggles

LIV Golf has settled a high-profile intellectual property lawsuit with Ohio-based Stinger Golf for $1 million, significantly less than the $100 million initially sought. The settlement was filed on July 6, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, concluding a dispute that began in June 2025.

Stinger Golf, a company specializing in golf tees sold nationwide, accused LIV Golf of using its trademarked name without authorization. The conflict arose when LIV Golf named one of its inaugural four-man teams "Stinger Golf Club" in 2022. Stinger Golf contended that LIV Golf knowingly infringed on its trademark rights prior to establishing the team.

The LIV Golf team subsequently rebranded as Southern Guards GC, featuring prominent South African golfers Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace, and Dean Burmester. Despite the name change, Stinger Golf pursued legal action to address the alleged infringement.

Brian Barakat, partner at Barakat + Bossa representing Stinger Golf, acknowledged that the $1 million settlement did not fully compensate for the damages suffered. He stated, "Obviously $1 million doesn't represent all the damages that our client suffered. What LIV did in this circumstance was pretty gross. We know that they knew long before they set up the Stinger Golf Club team that they were aware of our trademark, and they just decided that they didn't care."

Barakat further explained that the decision to accept the reduced settlement was driven by concerns over LIV Golf’s precarious financial condition rather than the strength of the legal case. "We were very confident to go to trial. It wasn't a compromise based on any fear of loss in the case. It was a compromise based on what we viewed as an imminent bankruptcy," he said.

The lawsuit named LIV Golf, World Wide Golf Brands (a former apparel partner), and the Stinger GC team as defendants. However, only LIV Golf is obligated to make payments under the settlement agreement.

This settlement coincides with a period of intensified financial scrutiny for LIV Golf. Reports indicate that the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, which has been a primary backer, announced it would cease funding LIV Golf after the 2026 season. Additionally, the league reportedly incurred losses of nearly $600 million in its international operations in 2024 and approximately $1.1 billion between 2022 and 2024.

Given these substantial financial challenges, the $1 million settlement represents a relatively minor expense for LIV Golf but signals broader fiscal instability.

Barakat characterized the settlement as a strategic business decision by Stinger Golf, stating, "They bowed to the realities of this situation and made a compromise that made business sense for them."

The resolution of this trademark dispute highlights the complex interplay between intellectual property enforcement and financial viability in the evolving landscape of professional golf leagues.

As LIV Golf navigates its financial future, industry observers will be closely watching for further developments related to its funding and legal challenges.