LIV Golf CEO Remains Adamant League Will Not Fold

O'Neil admits finances are 'managed very tightly' but says structural changes are coming

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:06am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented view of a LIV Golf tournament, with sharp, overlapping planes in shades of green, blue, and gold, conveying the league's uncertain yet determined path forward.LIV Golf's future remains uncertain, but the league's CEO is determined to reshape the organization through structural changes.NYC Today

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil acknowledged the league's finances are 'managed very tightly' and said structural changes are on the way, but he remained adamant that LIV Golf will not fold. O'Neil was interviewed by LIV employees during the first round of the LIV Golf Mexico City event, a day after reports that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund was considering cutting funding for the league.

Why it matters

LIV Golf has faced significant challenges since launching in 2022, including struggles to attract TV ratings in the U.S. and ongoing tensions with the established PGA Tour. The league's future has been called into question, making O'Neil's comments about the league's financial situation and upcoming changes noteworthy.

The details

O'Neil did not directly address the reports about Saudi funding, but he said LIV Golf is operating as 'business as usual' despite the challenges. He hinted at upcoming 'structural changes' to the league, though he did not provide specifics. O'Neil also touted LIV Golf's global appeal, noting the league has found success in markets like Australia and Asia.

  • 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, O'Neil was interviewed by LIV employees 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 O'Neil has planned for LIV Golf, and whether the league will be able to secure continued funding from the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

The takeaway

LIV Golf's future remains uncertain, with the league facing financial challenges and ongoing tensions with the PGA Tour. However, CEO Scott O'Neil is adamant that the league will not fold, and he has hinted at upcoming changes that could reshape the league's structure and operations.