Saudi Arabia to End LIV Golf Funding
The LIV Golf Invitational Series, which began in June 2022, is facing uncertainty as Saudi Arabia plans to withdraw its multi-billion dollar financial support at the conclusion of this season, according to sources.
The breakaway golf tour is expected to announce a "new strategic plan" on Thursday aimed at securing new financial investors. Alongside this, the tour will reportedly confirm new board members as part of a leadership restructuring effort.
This development coincides with reports that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) may confirm that its governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, is stepping down from LIV Golf's board. Al-Rumayyan, who co-founded LIV in 2021, has been the tour's most influential figure.
Recently, LIV Golf postponed its June event scheduled in New Orleans, resulting in no tournaments in the United States between 10 May and 6 August, when the tour will resume at Trump Bedminster in New Jersey.
Future Plans and Financial Outlook
has learned that LIV Golf remains optimistic about continuing as an international tour featuring a team model. The organization is engaged in "constructive" discussions with potential investors. Sources indicate that executives are exploring various opportunities to "reposition" the business.
Financial projections suggest LIV Golf is on track to generate $100 million (£86 million) more in 2026 compared to last season. However, officials acknowledge that the series will likely need to be significantly scaled back, with a reduced number of events.
Team captains have been informed that the company will disclose plans to secure new financial backers on Thursday.
Earlier this month, LIV Golf chief executive Scott O'Neil reassured players that the 2026 season would proceed "as planned and uninterrupted," despite circulating rumors about the tour's potential collapse. However, he did not comment on the long-term outlook.
PIF's Strategic Shift and Financial Impact
The PIF recently announced a new investment strategy emphasizing sustainability. The LIV Golf project, which transitioned to a more traditional 72-hole format this year, has been funded by substantial capital from PIF.
Overall investment in LIV Golf has exceeded $5 billion (£3.8 billion), including a fresh capital injection of $267 million (£229 million) this year.
The tour's net losses outside the United States increased to $462 million (£340 million) in 2024, bringing total losses since its inception in 2021 to over $1.1 billion (£810 million). Considering the significant funds invested in the US segment, total losses are expected to reach several billion dollars.
PIF has been contacted for comment.
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