LIV Golf's Future in Doubt as Saudi Backers Consider Pulling Funding

Leadership team told they will soon lose their positions amid financial troubles for the rebel golf league.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:35pm

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A fractured, multi-angled painting in muted tones of green, blue, and gray, depicting the chaotic and uncertain future of the LIV Golf league through a cubist, deconstructed visual style.The fragmented future of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league is reflected in a cubist-inspired illustration that captures the complex power dynamics and financial uncertainties surrounding the upstart tour.NYC Today

The future of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league is in question as its primary financier, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, is reportedly preparing to pull its multibillion-dollar investment. This has led to high-level LIV Golf executives seeking new jobs as the league desperately looks for a way to continue operations, either with a smaller budget or by negotiating a deal.

Why it matters

LIV Golf has been a disruptive force in the golf world since its inception in 2022, luring top players away from the PGA Tour with lucrative contracts. The potential collapse of LIV would have major implications for the sport, the players, and the ongoing power struggle between the rival golf leagues.

The details

According to multiple anonymous industry sources, members of LIV Golf's leadership team were told on Sunday, following the Masters Tournament, that they would soon lose their positions. LIV is moving forward with its scheduled tournament in Mexico City this week, but has canceled some news conferences and closed the media center, citing power outages. LIV CEO Scott O'Neil has been leading efforts to find a way for the league to continue operations, even as it faces massive financial losses - over $590 million in its UK-based entity alone in 2024.

  • On Sunday, April 14, 2026, members of the LIV Golf leadership team were first told they would soon lose their positions.
  • LIV Golf is scheduled to play in Mexico City this week, as of April 19, 2026.

The players

Scott O'Neil

The CEO of LIV Golf who has been leading efforts to find a way for the league to continue operations.

Mohammed bin Salman

The crown prince of Saudi Arabia and chairman of the Public Investment Fund, which has been the primary financier of LIV Golf.

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What they’re saying

“I have 'not heard anything' and that players were told at the beginning of the year that LIV is 'a project of many years'.”

— Sergio Garcia, LIV Golf Player

What’s next

Industry sources say the Public Investment Fund is preparing to pull its multibillion-dollar investment in LIV Golf, which would leave the league's future in serious jeopardy. LIV executives are seeking new jobs as the league looks for a way to continue operations, either with a smaller budget or by negotiating a deal.

The takeaway

The potential collapse of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league would have major implications for the sport, the players, and the ongoing power struggle between rival golf organizations. The league's financial troubles and the potential withdrawal of its primary financier raise serious questions about its long-term viability and the future direction of professional golf.