LIV Golf’s next steps explained as announcement made after Saudis pull funding

Jack Otway
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:46:05 +0000

LIV Golf finds itself battling for survival following Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund decision to cease funding when the current season concludes.

The breakaway circuit issued a statement today that notably omitted any reference to PIF or its governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, whose departure with Saudi backing has been communicated to players over recent weeks.

Instead, the league announced the appointment of Gene Davis and Jon Zinman to lead a newly formed independent board tasked with securing fresh investment.

LIV described the pair as "seasoned experts with proven track records of navigating complex situations and unlocking value for global organisations."

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The league characterised the move as a "strategic evolution" towards a "diversified, multi-partner investment model," though insiders recognise the challenge ahead is existential.

The financial picture facing the new leadership is stark.

Monthly losses are estimated at approximately £75million, with Saudi Arabia having poured around £5bn into the venture since its 2022 launch.

One cost-cutting measure reportedly under consideration involves trimming the current 14-event calendar. Each tournament carries prize money of $30m alone, making schedule reductions an obvious target for savings.

Chief executive Scott O'Neil has previously acknowledged profitability could remain five to ten years away, presenting an unenviable task for Davis and Zinman as they court potential backers.

The league is believed to be pursuing private equity investment to fill the enormous gap left by PIF's withdrawal, with internal confidence that such funding will materialise.

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Bryson DeChambeau's future represents a critical test of LIV's ability to attract replacement funding. His contract expires at season's end, with the American star reportedly seeking as much as £400m to extend his commitment.

Securing new investment will determine whether the league can retain its biggest draw.

Some within LIV believe Saudi Arabia's exit could paradoxically benefit their fundraising efforts.

It has been suggested the Kingdom's departure might open doors previously closed due to concerns over human rights issues associated with Saudi involvement.

Whether this optimism proves justified remains uncertain.

The Middle East conflict has made continued Saudi expenditure untenable, according to sources, leaving the circuit's fate dependent on whether alternative investors share the league's confidence in its commercial potential.

Despite O'Neil's recent assertions that LIV would continue "uninterrupted and at full throttle," a June tournament in New Orleans has been pushed back.

Officials attributed the postponement to avoiding summer heat and World Cup scheduling conflicts, though many in golf circles viewed it as further evidence of mid-season retrenchment.

Ironically, the crisis arrives amid genuine commercial progress.

Revenue through five events this year has risen by $100m, while 10 of 13 teams are projected to finish the season profitably alongside four tournaments.

Meanwhile, players are already exploring escape routes.

Tyrrell Hatton could return to the DP World Tour by breaking his contract, following Patrick Reed's example. Others hope to secure arrangements similar to Brooks Koepka's recent PGA Tour reinstatement.