Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will end its financial backing of LIV Golf after the 2026 season, marking a major shift for the Saudi-backed golf league [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. LIV Golf is now seeking between US$250 million and US$350 million in new investment to continue operating beyond 2026 [1, 2, 3, 5, 6].
The league plans to present a scaled-back international schedule to prospective investors, focusing on 10 to 12 events annually [1, 2, 3, 6]. A LIV Golf spokesperson said the organization is "firmly focused on securing a transaction that positions the organization for the long term" and is exploring "multiple pathways under active exploration" for a sustainable future [5].
Bryson DeChambeau, 32, who joined LIV Golf in June 2022 and was among 11 players filing an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour that year, expressed optimism despite the loss of PIF backing [1, 2, 3]. Speaking ahead of LIV Golf Korea on May 26, DeChambeau said, "We were surprised that they pulled out as quickly as they did. We didn’t really see that coming. But that’s OK. One door closes, another opens." He added, "I’m very optimistic with the business plan of team golf compared to other models, in my opinion" [1].
DeChambeau also acknowledged the uncertainty ahead, saying, "We’ll see if investors like it or not. I’m giving all I can to make it happen, and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t happen" [6]. He has discussed his post-2026 plans with the PGA Tour and is considering expanding his YouTube channel [1, 2, 3, 6].
Dustin Johnson, 41, LIV Golf's 2022 season champion who signed a multi-year extension in January 2026, responded to the news with a brief, defiant "Long LIV Golf" post [1, 2, 3].
Since launching in 2021, LIV Golf has spent an estimated $5 billion and paid out roughly $1.59 billion in prize money across 14 tournaments, with winners receiving around $4 million per event [5]. The league expects to reach profitability within 2 to 3 years, a faster timeline than its initial 10-year projection [5, 6].
Plans also exist to move LIV Golf's headquarters to the United States, seeking favorable bankruptcy laws, though that remains a medium-confidence report [5].
LIV Golf’s 2026 schedule includes about 12 tournaments, down from earlier plans, while the league pursues new funding to ensure operations continue beyond the final Saudi-funded season [6].
