LIV Golf is again facing an uncertain future with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) set to announce that it will pull its funding for the breakaway rebel golf league at the end of the season.
LIV Golf is expected to make an announcement on Thursday revealing a “new strategic plan”, with a focus on securing new long-term investment and confirming a change in board members. It comes amid reports that Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the head of Saudi Arabia’s PIF and the figurehead of LIV Golf since it was founded in 2022, will be stepping down.
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News of Saudi Arabia pulling its funding for LIV Golf first emerged two weeks ago, with the league insisting it would remain at “full throttle” this season. While an event in Mexico went ahead, an inaugural tournament in New Orleans scheduled to take place in June was postponed until later this year.
The Wall Street Journal reported LIV Golf plans to tell players and staff on Thursday that PIF would be withdrawing its funding at the end of the season and the futures of star players, such as major winners Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, would be dependent on securing new investment.
The PIF has invested around $5bn into LIV Golf since its breakaway four years ago, luring star players with nine-figure bonus fees and offering $30m in prize money at each event.
It also attracted strong criticism and controversy, with human rights groups claiming the league as sportswashing and a political strategy for Saudi Arabia to improve its global image through sports.
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The league was run by the PIF’s governor, Al-Rumayyan, and two-time major winner Greg Norman, who operated as CEO until his departure in 2025, with Scott O’Neil replacing him.
Several leading stars have since left LIV Golf and are attempting to rejoin the PGA Tour. Brooks Koepka was allowed to rejoin the PGA Tour after paying a $5m fine. Patrick Reed also left LIV and is playing a European tour schedule this year before potentially qualifying for a PGA Tour card in 2027.
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