LIV CEO Insists League Will Continue Amid Funding Rumors

O'Neil says LIV Golf is 'business as usual' despite reports of Saudi funding cuts

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:40am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented golf tournament scene, with overlapping shapes and planes in shades of green, tan, and blue, conveying the complex challenges facing the LIV Golf league.LIV Golf's future remains uncertain as the league navigates financial pressures and seeks to redefine its business model.NYC Today

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil admitted the league's finances are 'managed very tightly' and said structural changes are coming, but he remained adamant that LIV will not fold despite reports that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may cut funding for the upstart golf league.

Why it matters

The future of LIV Golf has been a major topic of discussion in the golf world, with the league facing skepticism about its long-term viability. O'Neil's comments aim to reassure players and fans that LIV will continue operating, even as it navigates financial challenges and looks to evolve its business model.

The details

In an interview with LIV employees during the first round of the LIV Golf Mexico City event, O'Neil did not directly address the reported Saudi funding issues. He said LIV is 'business as usual' and acknowledged the league is 'managed very tightly' and faces challenges, but insisted the 'adventure' will continue. O'Neil hinted at upcoming 'structural changes' for LIV, including plans to 'blend a version of LIV and the great national opens around the world' in an effort to grow the game globally.

  • On April 16, 2026, the Financial Times reported that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund was on the verge of cutting its funding for LIV Golf.
  • On April 17, 2026, LIV CEO Scott O'Neil gave an interview addressing the reports during the first round of the LIV Golf Mexico City event.

The players

Scott O'Neil

The CEO of LIV Golf, who has held the position for 16 months after succeeding LIV's initial CEO Greg Norman.

Greg Norman

The initial CEO of LIV Golf, who was succeeded by Scott O'Neil 16 months ago.

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What they’re saying

“For us, we're business as usual. If you want to ask me if this business is tough, I would say absolutely. If you asked me if we're managed very tightly, I would say absolutely. Can this be challenging? Absolutely, and that's what we signed up for, not just me, you, everyone here that's with us down in Mexico City.”

— Scott O'Neil, CEO, LIV Golf

“It must be exhausting trying to will the LIV Golf league out of existence.”

— Arlo White, LIV Golf Broadcaster

What’s next

It remains to be seen what specific structural changes LIV Golf has planned, and whether the league will be able to secure long-term funding from the Saudi Public Investment Fund or other sources to ensure its viability.

The takeaway

Despite facing financial challenges and uncertainty about its future, LIV Golf's leadership is adamant that the league will continue operating and evolving its business model. The league's ability to weather the current storm and attract sustainable funding will be crucial to determining its long-term prospects.