LIV Golf chairman set to quit and players 'exploring options' amid bombshell Saudi decision

Jack Otway
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:14:20 +0000

Yasir Al-Rumayyan is anticipated to step down as LIV Golf chairman as the breakaway league prepares to formally announce the end of Saudi Arabian financial support.

The departure would represent LIV's first official acknowledgement that backing from the Public Investment Fund will cease after this season.

Al-Rumayyan has led the sovereign wealth fund since 2015, and his exit signals a significant leadership transition for the organisation.

The league is now seeking to chart a new course without the substantial Saudi investment that has underpinned its operations since launching in 2022.

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This confirmation comes amid growing uncertainty about LIV's long-term viability.

According to Sky Sports, LIV Golf intends to unveil a fresh "strategic plan" aimed at securing long-term investment partners, with discussions already underway with potential backers.

On Tuesday, league officials briefed the 13 team captains, among them major champions Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, about future plans.

Despite the financial upheaval, the organisation maintains its dedication to the franchise-based format and international tournament schedule.

The league points to strong attendance figures, with more than 200,000 spectators at events in Australia and South Africa this year.

However, reaching financial sustainability presents a formidable challenge given LIV's expenditure of $5bn since its 2022 inception, projected to hit $6bn by year's end.

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Several LIV players are now weighing up alternatives beyond the league.

This follows the notable exits of major winners Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed earlier this year, departures that preceded the current financial turbulence.

The withdrawal of PIF money raises questions about whether LIV can hold onto marquee names such as DeChambeau and Rahm, though DeChambeau is reportedly in discussions over a fresh contract.

Speaking to the Flushing It social media platform, DeChambeau said: "There's a lot of moving parts like in any business. It's a startup, right?

"And so there's going to be times where we're squeezed and punched. This is one of those moments. But I'm going to do everything in my power to make it work."

The PGA Tour is now contemplating fresh routes for LIV golfers to return to the American circuit.

Koepka secured his comeback earlier this year under strict conditions: a five-year exclusion from equity grants, a $5m charitable contribution, and forfeiture of bonus payments for this season.

Three other LIV players with major victories since 2022 — Rahm, DeChambeau and Cameron Smith — received identical offers but declined.

PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp indicated this week that the organisation is exploring additional reinstatement options.

"We're interested in having the best players who can help our tour. Not every player can do that," Rolapp told The Wall Street Journal.