LIV Golf Faces Potential Collapse Amid Funding Woes

Reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may pull the plug on the upstart golf league.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:19pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting various geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, representing the chaotic and uncertain state of the LIV Golf league.The rise and potential fall of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league exposes the complex power dynamics and ethical debates shaping the future of professional golf.NYC Today

Fresh off the Masters, rumors have swirled that the controversial LIV Golf league may be on the verge of shutting down. Multiple reports indicate the league's primary backer, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, is moving to reallocate its funding priorities away from LIV, which has reportedly lost over $590 million in its first year of operation. With dwindling viewership, a watered-down player roster, and the PGA Tour strengthening its position, LIV Golf appears to be struggling to maintain its viability.

Why it matters

The potential collapse of LIV Golf would mark a significant shift in the professional golf landscape. The league's emergence has been controversial due to its Saudi Arabian financing and the defection of high-profile PGA Tour players. Its demise could have major implications for the golfers who left the PGA Tour to join LIV, as well as the ongoing tensions between the two rival circuits.

The details

According to reports, LIV Golf officials were summoned to an emergency meeting in New York on Wednesday, amid indications that the Public Investment Fund is looking to pull the bulk of its funding from the upstart league. LIV Golf, which launched in 2023, has struggled to gain traction with both fans and media, with low television ratings and a format that has failed to resonate. Despite luring several major champions, including Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau, away from the PGA Tour with lucrative contracts, LIV has reportedly been a financial black hole, losing an estimated $590 million in its inaugural year.

  • LIV Golf began play in 2023.
  • The league lost an estimated $590 million in its first year of operation.
  • On Wednesday, LIV Golf officials were summoned to an emergency meeting in New York.
  • The reports of LIV Golf's potential collapse come fresh off the 2023 Masters tournament.

The players

Phil Mickelson

One of the first golfers to commit to LIV Golf, Mickelson faced criticism for his comments about using the Saudi money as leverage against the PGA Tour, despite the country's history of human rights abuses.

Dustin Johnson

A major champion who left the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf.

Brooks Koepka

A former major champion who joined LIV Golf but has since returned to the PGA Tour, forfeiting some of the tour's benefits and paying a financial penalty.

Tiger Woods

A PGA Tour star who has helped shape a more streamlined season with bigger money and events, strengthening the PGA Tour's position against LIV Golf.

Rory McIlroy

A PGA Tour star who has also helped shape a more streamlined season with bigger money and events, strengthening the PGA Tour's position against LIV Golf.

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What they’re saying

“Using the Saudi money as leverage against the PGA Tour was acceptable, despite their human rights issues.”

— Phil Mickelson

What’s next

Official word on the future of LIV Golf could come as soon as Thursday.

The takeaway

The potential collapse of LIV Golf would mark a significant shift in professional golf, with the PGA Tour emerging as the dominant force. The fate of the golfers who left the PGA Tour to join LIV remains uncertain, but the PGA Tour has already created a path for some players to return to the tour.