DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AFP) — Rory McIlroy feels that the days of golfers being independent contractors are changing as the PGA Tour and LIV Golf continue to negotiate a merger that could reshape the future of the sport.

The former world No. 1, speaking Wednesday on the eve of making his 2024 season debut at the Dubai Invitational, said that while he may not have changed his views on LIV Golf completely, he could see some of the positives that have come out of it. The Saudi Public Investment Fund-backed League has been able to put together a global schedule and guarantee the presence of stars in all their events.

"When you look at different sports and the media landscape and how much these media companies are paying for sporting events, I think you have to be able to guarantee them the product they are paying for," said the four-time major champion, now ranked second in the world.

"In my opinion, I would say that people would have to be contracted and sign up to a certain number of events every year; that the sponsors and media partners know that the guys they want to be there are going to be in their events."

"You can't ask these media rights partners, or the sponsors, for as much money as they're being asked for, if they are unable to guarantee them the product that they want. It can't happen unless you want to regress and go back to playing for the money we played for 10 years ago."

"If the guys want to do that and stay independent contractors, that's fine. But the sponsors that are either pulling out of the PGA Tour or are considering it because of the numbers that they are having to put up. They're not seeing all the stuff that I've said."

McIlroy argued that the viewing numbers are growing, but people are focused mostly on TV numbers.