Off The Green: Saudi Arabia’s PIF Ending Financial Support For LIV Golf
Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 07:53PM By Barry Janoff
April 30, 2026: The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund confirmed today that it plans to end its multi-billion dollar support of LIV Golf following the 2026 season.
LIV Golf launched in 2022 as a counter-point to the PGA Tour. LIV Golf and the PGA Tour over the past few years have contemplated merging.
"PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season," the organization said.
“The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF's investment strategy . . . PIF remains committed to deploying capital internationally in line with its investment strategy, including its substantial current and future investments in various sports as a priority sector."
Despite LIV Golf’s loss of PIF funding — upward of $6 billion — as initially reported by the Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal, LIV Golf executives said the circuit was well-funded through 2026 and was considering options for financial support in 2027 and beyond.
According to CNN, “The organization (said it) is increasing its revenue and is tracking $100 million ahead of 2025 so far this year. Sponsorships and merchandise revenue are both up year-over-year and ticket sales are up 129% year-over-year.”
"The executive leadership team . . . see a clear opportunity to help the league formalize its structure, attract and secure long-term capital."
“The reality is (we’re) funded through the season and then you work like crazy to create a business plan to keep us going,” LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said via the organization when the news came out.
“But that’s not different from any other private equity-funded business in the history of mankind.”
LIV Golf said today it was creating “new board appointments as the league focuses on securing long-term financial partners to support its transition from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model.
“This strategic evolution, accelerated by the league’s record-breaking performance in 2026, includes the appointment of a newly established independent board led by Gene Davis and Jon Zinman, seasoned experts with proven track records of navigating complex situations and unlocking value for global organizations, to guide the league through its next phase.”
"LIV Golf has built something truly differentiated — a global league with passionate fans, world-class talent, and demonstrated commercial momentum," said Davis, who will serve as chairman of the Independent Directors Committee, via LIV Golf.
"The executive leadership team, along with Jon and I, see a clear opportunity to help the league formalize its structure, attract and secure long-term capital, and position the business for growth while continuing to promote the game across the world. We look forward to positioning LIV Golf for future success."
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