Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has confirmed it will stop funding the breakaway LIV Golf league after the 2026 season, raising questions about the league’s future. The announcement came as LIV Golf unveiled a new board and business strategy aimed at securing long-term financial partners.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of PIF and the driving force behind LIV Golf, is no longer listed as its chairman. Gene Davis of Pirinate Consulting Group has taken over as chair, with Jon Zinman of JZ Advisors also joining the newly created board.
PIF stated that the decision aligns with its investment priorities and current macroeconomic dynamics, noting that the substantial long-term investment required by LIV Golf is no longer consistent with its strategy. PIF remains committed to international sports investments but will not extend LIV funding beyond 2026.
LIV Golf is now seeking to transition to a multi-investor model with team franchises. The league expects 10 of its 13 teams to be profitable this year. However, the end of Saudi funding may make it difficult to retain top players like Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Cameron Smith, and Jon Rahm, who were lured with lucrative contracts.
According to Money in Sport, LIV Golf has spent $5.3 billion since its launch in 2022, with projections of $6 billion by year-end. Each tournament currently offers a $30 million prize fund. The league has already postponed one event and faces uncertainty about its ability to maintain its star-studded roster.
Al-Rumayyan, a passionate golfer, had sought a seat at the table with golf’s traditional powers. He signed a framework agreement with the PGA Tour and European Tour in 2023, but the deal fell through. In February 2025, he met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House alongside PGA Tour representatives, but no compromise was reached.
DeChambeau told Flushing It: “As long as LIV is here, I would figure out a way for it to make sense.” However, the league’s future remains uncertain as it navigates financial challenges and seeks new investors.
Source: www.aljazeera.com