LIV CEO Vows 2026 Season Will Go 'Full Throttle' Despite Funding Doubts

Scott O'Neil pushes back on reports of Saudi backing withdrawal for rebel golf league.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:54am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented scene of a LIV Golf tournament, with overlapping planes of green fairways, blue skies, and red accents, conveying the league's disruptive impact on the sport.The future of the disruptive LIV Golf league remains uncertain, even as it pushes forward with plans for its 2026 season.NYC Today

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil sent an email to staff vehemently denying reports that the Saudi-backed league was on the verge of losing its financial backing from the Public Investment Fund. O'Neil insisted the 2026 season will continue 'exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle,' despite widespread speculation about the league's future.

Why it matters

The reports of potential PIF withdrawal have ignited a new wave of uncertainty and intrigue around the controversial LIV Golf league, which has been embroiled in a civil war with the PGA Tour since its inception in 2022. The league's future remains unclear beyond the 2026 season, even as O'Neil attempts to project confidence.

The details

In the email, O'Neil told staff that 'the noise you hear is simply the sound of a movement that is working' and urged them to 'embrace' the 'headwinds' the league has faced. He did not directly refute the broader concerns about PIF funding beyond the 2026 season, but insisted the current year's schedule will proceed as planned 'with the full energy of an organization that is bigger, louder, and more influential than ever before.'

  • The email from O'Neil was sent on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • The reports of potential PIF withdrawal emerged earlier on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • The LIV Golf tournament in Mexico is scheduled to take place on April 15, 2026.

The players

Scott O'Neil

The CEO of LIV Golf, who sent an email to staff vowing the 2026 season will continue 'full throttle' despite reports of potential withdrawal of Saudi funding.

Public Investment Fund (PIF)

The Saudi sovereign wealth fund that has been providing the financial backing for the LIV Golf league since its inception in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“I want to be crystal clear: Our season continues exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle. While the media landscape is often filled with speculation, our reality is defined by the work we do on the grass. We are heading into the heart of our 2026 schedule with the full energy of an organization that is bigger, louder, and more influential than ever before.”

— Scott O'Neil, CEO, LIV Golf

“The life of a startup movement is often defined by these moments of pressure. We signed up for this because we believe in disrupting the status quo. We have faced headwinds since the jump, and we've answered every time with resilience and grace. Now, we answer by doing what we do best: putting on the most compelling show in sports.”

— Scott O'Neil, CEO, LIV Golf

What’s next

Reuters reported that the 2026 season will go on as scheduled with the full backing of the PIF, but it remains unclear whether that support will continue beyond this year.

The takeaway

The uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf's future highlights the ongoing tensions and power struggles within the golf world, as the rebel league continues to disrupt the status quo and challenge the traditional PGA Tour model. The league's ability to maintain its momentum and Saudi funding beyond 2026 will be a key factor in determining its long-term viability.