Saudi PIF confirms it will end funding for LIV Golf Tour after 2026 season

The move marks a major shift for the breakaway tour, which launched in 2022 with heavy Saudi backing. The PIF has poured billions of dollars into the league, helping lure big-name players such as Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau on huge contracts and prize purses of up to $25 million per event.

Recent reports suggest the decision comes amid growing financial pressure, including losses of more than $1.4 billion tied to LIV Golf, relatively low TV audiences in the United States, and a broader shift by the fund towards domestic projects and investments with higher returns.

PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, a key figure in setting up LIV Golf, is also expected to step down as chairman of the league.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has confirmed the funding will end after 2026 but says the organisation is looking at other options, including private investment and new sponsorship deals, to keep the tour going beyond that point. The league is still expected to operate normally through the 2026 season.

However, questions around LIV's financial viability persist. The league reportedly recorded $462m in losses in 2024 alone, with total losses since its 2021 launch exceeding $1.1bn.

While LIV has expanded its global footprint in recent years - including a well-received debut event in South Africa in March - not all tournaments have drawn the same level of local support or commercial traction.

The news comes after weeks of speculation and follows the breakdown of earlier merger talks with the PGA Tour.

Industry observers say replacing the level of Saudi backing will be extremely difficult, leaving uncertainty over the long-term future of LIV Golf and its current structure.