Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), will cease financing LIV Golf after the 2026 season, casting doubt on the future of the breakaway circuit, US media reported on Wednesday.
The Wall Street Journal said the PIF will stop providing funding beyond the summer of 2026, and that LIV Golf will inform its staff and players of the decision on Thursday. CNBC added that the league will “evaluate strategic alternatives” to keep operating without Saudi backing.
LIV Golf, launched in 2022 as a rival to the PGA Tour, has attracted high‑profile players such as Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson by offering lucrative contracts funded largely by Saudi dollars. Sources familiar with the matter, who asked to remain anonymous, told both outlets that the PIF’s withdrawal reflects a reassessment of the project’s cost, which is estimated at more than $5 billion to date.
LIV Golf’s chief executive, Scott O’Neil, rejected early reports that the tour was on the verge of collapse, stating the season would continue “full throttle.” He acknowledged, however, that the organization would “probably” need to raise additional capital moving forward.
The funding cut could have significant repercussions for players who left the PGA Tour under contentious circumstances. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp warned that those players could face “severe penalties” if they attempt to return, emphasizing that “rules were broken and accountability follows.”
The tour has already begun adjusting its schedule. A June tournament in New Orleans was postponed, with officials hoping to reschedule later in the year. The next event is slated for May 7‑10 at Trump National Golf Club in Washington, D.C., and the season’s final tournament is planned for August 20‑23 in Indianapolis.
The potential loss of Saudi financing underscores the fragility of LIV Golf’s business model and raises questions about the viability of alternative professional golf leagues. Stakeholders will be watching closely as the organization explores new funding sources or structural changes to sustain operations beyond 2026.
