LIV Golf, the controversial South African golf league, has agreed to a $1 million settlement in a trademark dispute with Stinger Golf, a manufacturer of golf tees. The legal battle began when LIV used the name 'Stinger Golf Club' for one of its teams, leading the Ohio-based company to sue for alleged name and branding infringement.
From courtroom to rebrand
The lawsuit, originally filed in June 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, was initiated by Stinger Golf. The company, known for producing over 20 million golf tees annually, has used the 'Stinger' name in trademarks since the 2000s. Stinger Golf had originally sought $100 million in damages from LIV Golf, citing brand confusion and unauthorized use of its name.
In a strategic move, LIV rebranded the Stinger GC team to Southern Guards GC in January 2026, before the court could issue a ruling. The team, which features a lineup of all South African players led by Louis Oosthuizen, now uses branding that includes a rhino. This shift aligns with South Africa's role as the home to more than 80% of the global rhino population.
LIV had previously used a logo featuring a stylized 'S' and the name 'Stinger GC' for the team. In contrast, Stinger Golf’s trademark includes a logo with a flying insect that resembles a bee or hornet. Though the designs are visually distinct, the similarities in branding were enough for legal action to be taken.
LIV’s financial moves raise legal concerns
Brian Barakat, a partner at Barakat + Bossa who represented Stinger Golf, noted that the decision to settle was partly due to concerns over LIV’s financial stability. He stated that the firm was confident about winning at trial but that Stinger Golf made the settlement on business grounds. 'They don’t feel they were made whole,' Barakat explained, highlighting the nature of compromises in settlements.
In the past few months, LIV has brought in restructuring experts like Gene Davis and Jon Zinman. The league also hired financial firms AlixPartners and Ducera Partners, both of which specialize in bankruptcy processes and business ownership transitions. These hires have raised questions about LIV's financial health and possible instability.
The settlement terms require LIV to make two payments: $200,000 within 10 business days of the settlement’s acceptance and $800,000 by September 18. While World Wide Golf Brands, a former apparel partner, was named as a defendant, it is not responsible for the payments. The league itself and the Southern Guards GC team, which it owns, will cover the amount.
Rebrands and shifting identities in LIV
The rebranding of the Southern Guards GC is not the first such move in LIV’s history. The league has frequently changed team names to reflect new identities. For example, the Niblicks GC became RangeGoats GC, the Iron Heads GC rebranded to Korean Golf Club, and Smash GC was transformed into OKGC for the 2026 season.
Richard Glover, the general manager for the Southern Guards, stated that the rebranding was intended to better reflect the team's origins and identity. 'We wanted to embrace a name and visual identity that more authentically represents who we are and where we come from,' he said. This approach aligns with LIV's broader strategy of building a distinct brand for each team.
LIV’s growth has not been without legal troubles. The league held its first event in South Africa in March 2025, which attracted over 100,000 fans. However, recent legal challenges have also emerged, such as a lawsuit from Mobii Systems Group Limited, a former technology partner, who is seeking more than $1 million for unpaid invoices and breach of contract.