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SAUDI PUBLIC INVESTMENT FUND TO CUT LIV GOLF BACKING FOLLOWING 2026 SEASON
LIV Golf is now confronted with a precarious future as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has disclosed its intention to withdraw financial support after the conclusion of the 2026 season. A representative from the fund informed AFP of this decisive move.
This announcement was made shortly after LIV Golf, which commenced in 2021 as a competitor to the PGA Tour, expressed its intent to locate “long-term financial partners.”
Reports indicate that the PIF has already invested over $5 billion in the league, attracting many elite players, including Major champions such as Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm.
Despite its substantial investments, the PIF has declared that ongoing funding for LIV Golf will cease as the fund aims to streamline various projects within the kingdom. Instabilities in the Middle East have prompted fresh concerns about future investment strategies.
A spokesperson outlined that “PIF has decided to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season,” noting that the long-term financial commitment required by LIV Golf does not align with the fund’s current investment plan.
Furthermore, the spokesperson highlighted that the decision was influenced by “PIF’s investment priorities and current macroeconomic dynamics.”
In response, LIV Golf announced its search for new financial partners, aiming to shift from its initial funding phase to a more diversified investment model.
Notably missing from LIV’s statements was any mention of Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF’s governor and a co-founder of the league. The announcement instead highlighted the addition of two experienced board members, Gene Davis and Jon Zinman, who are expected to assist the league in navigating its forthcoming challenges.
The recent PIF statement has confirmed speculations that LIV Golf might be on the brink of collapse due to the expected withdrawal of Saudi funding. Rumors suggested that the influential backers in Riyadh were becoming disenchanted with the high costs associated with the venture.
Despite these challenges, LIV Golf’s CEO Scott O’Neil pledged to maintain the season’s momentum. However, he acknowledged that the league would likely need to pursue additional funds moving forward.
A potential failure of LIV Golf could threaten the careers and financial rewards of its star players, who severed ties with the PGA Tour under contentious circumstances and may suffer penalties if they attempt to return to the tour.
In a recent statement, PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp underscored this situation, asserting, “There were rules, and they were broken. With rules comes accountability.”
Brooks Koepka has already made the leap back to the PGA Tour as the first LIV player to rejoin, facilitated by the recently introduced Returning Member Program aimed at easing contractual limitations for elite players.
Further complicating matters, LIV Golf postponed its anticipated June tournament in New Orleans, expressing hopes to reschedule it for later in the year. The league’s next scheduled event is set to occur from May 7th to 10th at Trump National in suburban Washington, with the last tournament of the season to take place in Indianapolis from August 20th to 23rd.
Earlier this month, PIF unveiled its strategic plan for 2026-2030, which seeks to reorganize the fund’s investment allocation amid escalating turmoil in the region. The ongoing conflict has severely impacted Gulf nations, particularly following Iranian strikes on critical infrastructure post-US and Israeli operations conducted in February.
Even prior to the conflict, the financial stability of Saudi Arabia faced strains, as dwindling oil prices have squeezed government revenues, prompting budget deficits.
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