LIV Golf has secured a new lead investor, providing a financial lifeline that will allow the circuit to continue beyond the 2026 season after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) decided to end its financial backing.
CEO Scott O’Neil announced the agreement during the league’s event at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, saying the deal has been approved by LIV’s board and is expected to close in September. While the investor has not been identified, O’Neil said the backer is “one of weight” and described the agreement as a pivotal step in the league’s long-term future.
The investment marks a significant turning point for LIV Golf, which launched in 2022 with billions of dollars in funding from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. After PIF announced earlier this year that it would discontinue funding following the current season, league executives began pursuing outside capital and reorganizing operations around a multi-investor ownership structure. More than a dozen prospective minority investors have also expressed interest as LIV works to diversify its financial base and reduce its reliance on a single funding source.
League officials also outlined plans for a leaner business model beginning in 2027. LIV expects to reduce its schedule from 14 tournaments to 10 global events while shifting to a player-focused ownership structure in which competitors would become majority equity holders. The revised calendar is designed to better align with golf’s major championships and other tours, while giving franchises additional opportunities to attract outside investment.
Despite securing new funding, questions remain about the league’s competitive future. Several high-profile players, including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith, have been the subject of speculation regarding their long-term commitments as contracts approach key decision points. O’Neil said LIV intends to retain its biggest stars while continuing its transition into what executives have described as the league’s next phase, expressing confidence that the new investment will provide stability after months of uncertainty.
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