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LIV Golf pledges uninterrupted 2026 season amid collapse rumors
LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has assured players and staff that the 2026 season will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing reports that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) plans to withdraw financial backing for the breakaway tour.
Leadership responds to funding speculation
In an internal email obtained by the BBC, O'Neil stated, "I want to be crystal clear: Our season continues exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle." He urged staff to "lean into this moment," framing the scrutiny as validation of LIV Golf's disruptive impact on the sport.
"The noise you hear is simply the sound of a movement that is working. Embrace it. We are pioneers."
Scott O'Neil, LIV Golf CEO
O'Neil acknowledged the challenges of building a new venture but did not address whether funding extends beyond 2026. Players were previously told at an earlier event that financial support is secured until at least 2032.
Saudi funding under review
The Financial Times reported that PIF, which has bankrolled LIV Golf since its 2021 launch, may terminate its support. A European golf insider suggested the tour would be unsustainable without PIF's backing, though LIV's leadership is reportedly exploring alternative revenue streams.
Sergio Garcia, captain of LIV's Fireballs team, told reporters at the tour's Mexico event that PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan had reaffirmed the fund's long-term commitment earlier this year. "There are always rumors," Garcia said, but noted that Al-Rumayyan had pledged a "project of many years."
Financial struggles and shifting priorities
LIV Golf's financial viability has come under scrutiny after reports revealed net losses of $462 million (£340 million) in 2024 alone, bringing total losses to over $1.1 billion (£810 million) since inception. PIF's total investment is estimated at nearly $5 billion (£3.7 billion), while broadcast rights generated just $2.7 million (£2 million). O'Neil projected profitability would take another 5-10 years.
A Saudi source told the BBC that PIF is prioritizing investments in AI and technology over sports ventures like LIV Golf, which have yet to demonstrate sustainability. Despite securing sponsors such as Rolex and HSBC, the source questioned whether these deals could offset player salaries and operational costs.
Impact on professional golf
LIV Golf's emergence in 2022 triggered a rift in professional golf, luring top players like Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Dustin Johnson with lucrative contracts. While the PGA Tour and DP World Tour announced a merger with PIF in 2023, the deal has stalled, leaving the sport's future structure uncertain.
Recent high-profile departures, including Brooks Koepka's return to the PGA Tour and Patrick Reed's exit, have further weakened LIV's position. Koepka and DeChambeau remain the only LIV players to win majors while competing on the tour, with England's Tyrrell Hatton the sole LIV contender at last week's Masters.
Future scenarios
If PIF withdraws funding, LIV Golf's survival would hinge on securing new investors or pursuing a merger. Some analysts suggest Saudi Arabia might redirect its focus to the DP World Tour or other ventures, such as the 2034 World Cup, which is seen as a higher priority.
LIV Golf has defended its progress, citing growing revenues, attendance, and commercial partnerships. However, without PIF's financial backing, the tour's ability to retain top talent and attract viewers remains in doubt.
As speculation mounts, LIV Golf has not responded to requests for comment, leaving players and industry observers to await further clarity on the tour's long-term prospects.
