PIF Reportedly Exiting LIV Golf, Raising Questions About Tennis Ties

The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund's involvement in professional tennis has been controversial, especially on the WTA side.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:22am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented tennis match or tournament, with overlapping planes of deep blue, green, and red hues conveying the sport's shifting power dynamics.The complex web of Saudi investment in professional tennis faces an uncertain future as the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund reportedly exits its controversial golf venture.Indian Wells Today

The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly ending its involvement in the controversial LIV Golf league by the end of the year. This development raises questions about PIF's deep ties to professional tennis, including its naming rights for player rankings on both the ATP and WTA Tours, as well as hosting high-profile events like the WTA Finals in Riyadh.

Why it matters

PIF's presence in tennis has been a source of controversy, particularly due to concerns over the treatment of women in Saudi Arabia. The potential exit from LIV Golf could signal a broader shift in PIF's sports investment strategy, which could impact its future involvement in tennis.

The details

Over the past five years, PIF has become deeply entrenched in professional tennis, serving as the naming partner for player rankings on both the ATP and WTA Tours. The fund is also set to host its first ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia starting in 2028, and has sponsored the lucrative Six Kings Slam exhibition event. Additionally, the WTA Finals have been held in Riyadh since 2024, though that relationship is set to end after the 2026 edition.

  • PIF has been involved in professional tennis for the past five years.
  • The WTA Finals have been held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia since 2024, but that relationship is ending after the 2026 edition.
  • PIF is set to host its first ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia beginning in 2028.
  • The Six Kings Slam, a PIF-sponsored ATP exhibition event in Saudi Arabia, concluded its second year in 2025.

The players

Public Investment Fund (PIF)

The sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, which has become deeply involved in professional tennis in recent years, including sponsoring player rankings and hosting high-profile events.

Chris Evert

Tennis legend who questioned the WTA's decision to partner with PIF to host the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Martina Navratilova

Tennis legend who also criticized the WTA's partnership with PIF due to concerns over the treatment of women in Saudi Arabia.

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What they’re saying

“PIF's involvement in tennis has been controversial especially on the WTA side because of the reported treatment of women in Saudi Arabia.”

— Wendi Oliveros, Author

What’s next

It remains to be seen whether PIF's reported exit from LIV Golf will lead to a broader shift in its sports investment strategy, including potentially scaling back its involvement in professional tennis.

The takeaway

PIF's deep ties to professional tennis, particularly the WTA Tour, have been a source of controversy due to concerns over the treatment of women in Saudi Arabia. The fund's reported exit from LIV Golf could signal a broader strategic shift, which could impact its future role in the sport of tennis.