Remainder of LIV Golf season reportedly in jeopardy as Saudi funding dries up

With four events left on its calendar, LIV Golf’s ability to finish the 2026 season is reportedly in jeopardy as funding from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) faces an uncertain timeline. The PIF announced in April it will cease funding LIV Golf following the 2026 season, and according to a Front Office Sports report by David Rumsey cited by Awful Announcing’s Drew Lerner, that financial support “could dry up even earlier than expected.”

“Every remaining tournament is on the fence,” a high‑ranking executive at a LIV partner told Front Office Sports. “LIV Golf doesn’t know if or when the PIF will shut off the spigot.”

The report states LIV’s funding from the PIF is sent “on a monthly basis,” and that the league is “still operating under the assumption that those payments will continue for the remainder of the season.” Should those monthly transfers stop, Rumsey’s reporting indicates the final four tournaments could be canceled, imperiling a schedule that already saw a New Orleans event canceled and a 47‑day gap after LIV’s most recent stop in Spain.

Remaining events at risk

• LIV Golf U.K., scheduled the week after The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in July
• A U.S. event at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster — described in the report as the “safest bet” to occur because of its ties to the president
• The regular‑season finale in Indianapolis
• The team championship in Michigan, which carries a $40 million purse

Facing the end of PIF backing, LIV has begun courting outside investors. Previous reports indicate the league is seeking $250 million in new investment, and LIV has claimed it could reach profitability within 20 months if such capital is secured. Media rights remain another potential revenue lever: LIV told Axios last month that, absent the full $250 million investment, it would rely on a “new media rights deal” to achieve profitability, while Fox currently pays LIV a “nominal” fee for broadcast rights.

Looking beyond 2026, Front Office Sports outlined a proposed 2027 structure that would include 10 events — five designated as “team majors” in international markets and five “team signature events” primarily in the U.S. The proposed model would likely feature purses “lower than the PGA Tour’s $20 million signature events,” a significant change from the eye‑popping guarantees and purses that initially lured top players to LIV.

Outlook

If PIF payments are curtailed before the season concludes, LIV faces immediate operational disruption and reputational damage. Even if the league secures outside capital or a media rights deal, Rumsey’s reporting and league statements suggest the revamped LIV would operate with smaller purses and potentially weaker fields than the PGA Tour, leaving its long‑term status — and the remainder of the 2026 schedule — uncertain.