The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) will cease financial backing of LIV Golf after the 2026 season, a league source confirmed to GOLF.com on Wednesday, following a Wall Street Journal report. This caps over $5 billion in Saudi funding since the league's 2022 launch and follows two weeks of rumors about cutbacks amid PIF's fiscal tightening. Formal notices go to employees, players, and staff on Thursday.
The funding ends after LIV's 2026 team championship in late August. LIV has begun seeking outside investors, a person familiar with the plans told the Journal; a spokesperson did not immediately comment. Earlier reports from mid-April highlighted PIF's shift to traditional assets and balance-sheet reviews, including divestments like its Al-Hilal soccer stake. PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan had previously affirmed long-term support, but Sergio Garcia noted two weeks ago in Mexico City that he heard no changes—rumors now confirmed. LIV CEO Scott O’Neil recently acknowledged in a deleted clip that the league is funded through the current season and needs a sustainable business model. Amid pressures, LIV postponed its mid-June New Orleans event to fall over heat and World Cup conflicts. Players like Bryson DeChambeau remain contracted through this season's end.
