Is it possible that the funds have truly run dry?
Golf journalist Ryan French, known for his Monday Q Info X account, mentioned a “shocking announcement” in connection to LIV Golf.
“I have some reliable sources. I’ve heard from a few people that LIV might be shutting down,” French added during a discussion on X Spaces, according to the FlushingItGolf account.
The Saudi Arabian-backed golf series has attracted several top PGA players with hefty guaranteed contracts since 2022. Yet, despite featuring stars like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Phil Mickelson, its popularity lags far behind the PGA Tour.
In a noteworthy move, Brooks Koepka became the first prominent player to rejoin the PGA Tour after his stint with LIV, thanks to a one-time Returning Member Program.
Although a few other top players were eligible, only Koepka made the jump back, while LIV seemingly faced a significant financial setback.
Patrick Reed, a previous champion, is also on track to return to the PGA Tour from LIV, with eligibility set for August.
Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee, often one of LIV’s sternest critics, expressed belief that French’s claims might ultimately prove correct.
“The whole concept was poorly planned and turned out to be even worse than expected,” Chamblee commented in response to the news on X.
“Considering the initial 54-hole shotgun format, the team idea that was rather absurd, and the confusing tournament structure, along with their staggering viewer losses, would it really be surprising if Saudi Arabia decided to pull the plug on this ill-conceived tour?”
LIV Golf is set to kick off in Mexico this week, although there are still nine events remaining on the 2026 schedule.
“I gather all sorts of information from trusted contacts,” French shared on X Spaces.
“Players didn’t receive their pay today, reports indicate that the power went out due to unpaid bills, and employees are in the same boat. It’s definitely a chaotic situation… Things look pretty grim.”
