THE SAUDI-BACKED LIV GOLF LEAGUE has dismissed rumours of an imminent collapse, with CEO Scott O’Neil confirming that the 2026 season will continue “uninterrupted and at full throttle.” The statement comes amid intense speculation over the league’s financial future and the long-term commitment of its primary backer, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
BBC reported that in an internal communication to players and staff, O’Neil made a categorical statement that the 2026 season will proceed exactly as planned, operations remain fully funded and active, and that the league is entering the “heart of its schedule” with confidence
Speculation around LIV Golf’s future intensified due to funding concerns with reports suggesting that the PIF is reviewing or potentially reducing its financial commitment, which has exceeded $5 billion since 2022. A new Saudi investment strategy reportedly de-prioritised sports investments, raising alarm bells.
The league has faced heavy operational losses, with reports of hundreds of millions lost annually and questions persist over commercial sustainability and revenue generation.
Launched in 2022, LIV Golf positioned itself as a disruptive alternative to traditional tours like the PGA Tour by offering lucrative guaranteed contracts, introducing a team-based format and backing events with massive prize purses.
