LIV Golf Faces Funding Cuts as Saudi Public Investment Fund Withdraws
Reports indicate that the Saudi Public Investment Fund plans to halt its financial support for the LIV Golf League following this season, casting doubt on the league’s future. LIV has accumulated losses estimated between $6 billion and $9 billion since starting in 2021, which has taken many players and agents by surprise. This shift in funding reflects a broader reevaluation of Saudi Arabia’s investment focus.
Recently, LIV CEO Scott O’Neill confirmed the financial cutoff by Saudi Arabia after the 2026 season. While many observers anticipated this might spell the league’s end, O’Neill assured TNT Sports that he has a “business plan” to sustain the organization. He mentioned, “You’re funded through the season and then you work hard to create a sustainable business. It’s not unlike any other private equity-backed venture.”
Whether the league can attract funding from different sources after the season remains uncertain. Nevertheless, O’Neill expressed confidence in an internal memo that the final 2026 season would continue “as planned, without interruption, and at full throttle.”
LIV Withdraws from Upcoming Event in Louisiana
Local media outlet WDSU reported that the LIV event scheduled for late June in New Orleans has been postponed. An announcement about this could be made soon. The event was delayed until LIV can restructure its finances and find additional sources of funding.
There are talks of a “re-envisioned fall event” in New Orleans, but specifics are still uncertain. The state had already invested roughly $2 million into improvements for Bayou Oaks at City Park Golf Course, in addition to paying LIV $1.2 million in hosting fees, which will now be reimbursed.
The cancellation of the Louisiana event raises concerns about the Tour’s financial health and its potential impact on the rest of the summer schedule. Without this tournament, LIV’s plans for events in Spain and the UK are now in jeopardy.
The next scheduled stop is LIV Golf Virginia, to be held at Trump National Golf Club from May 7 to 10, with plans to move on to South Korea later in May.
The situation for LIV Golf as we move through 2026 and into 2027 is rather unpredictable. A key figure—Bryson DeChambeau—has a contract that expires at year’s end. The ongoing uncertainties could present challenges, especially concerning the commitments made to players like Jon Rahm. The cancellation of the Louisiana tournament indicates there may be more instability than O’Neill suggested.
