Schlabach: PGA tour has all the leverage when it comes to LIV Golf players (1:14)Mark Schlabach joins “The Pat McAfee Show” to discuss the potential for LIV Golf players returning to the PGA Tour. (1:14)
Mark SchlabachApr 30, 2026, 07:53 AM ETCloseSenior college football writer Author of seven books on college football Graduate of the University of GeorgiaFollow on XMultiple Authors
With Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund pulling its funding after the 2026 season, the LIV Golf League has established a new independent board as it attempts to survive as a “diversified, multi-partner investment model,” the league announced Thursday.
The PIF has invested more than $5 billion into LIV Golf since its first tournament in June 2022 and was reportedly spending $100 million per month this year.
PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan is expected to step down as LIV Golf’s chairman Thursday, sources confirmed to ESPN.
“PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season,” a PIF spokesperson said Thursday. “The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF’s investment strategy. This decision has been made in light of PIF’s investment priorities and current macro dynamics.
“The LIV Golf Board has created a committee of independent directors to evaluate strategic alternatives for its future beyond PIF’s funding horizon. LIV Golf has substantially grown the game globally through its transformational and positive impact. It has forever changed the game of golf for the better. PIF remains committed to deploying capital internationally in line with its investment strategy, including its substantial current and future investments in various sports as a priority sector.”
During the broadcast of a tournament in Mexico City earlier this month, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said the PIF has committed to keeping the league going through its seven remaining tournaments this season.
The league and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced Tuesday that a scheduled tournament in New Orleans had been postponed and a potential date in the fall was being considered.
A LIV Golf League official told ESPN on Thursday that next week’s tournament at Trump National Golf Club outside Washington, D.C., will go on as planned.
“The reality is you’re funded through the season and then you work like crazy as a business to create a business and a business plan to keep us going” O’Neil said during the broadcast of the opening round in Mexico City. “But that’s not different from any other private equity-funded business in the history of man.”
The news release from LIV Golf said the league is focusing on “securing long-term financial partners to support its transition from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model.”
Sources said the league is open to several new models, including fewer tournaments, only staging international events or a potential merger with the DP World Tour.
The league said its revenue is up more than 100% since 2025 and that four of its events and 10 of its 13 teams will turn profits this season.
“Our conviction in the team golf model has never been stronger,” the league said in a statement. “We have built a differentiated platform that is global by design, commercially vibrant, and structured to unlock untapped value across the sport.”
However, the league is on the hook for guaranteed contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars to star golfers such as Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. The league is reportedly spending $40 million to stage each of its events and doesn’t have a traditional TV contract in the U.S.
While the league has gained traction in golf-starved countries like Australia and South Africa, its TV ratings in the U.S. have been low.
Davis is the chairman and CEO of Pirinate Consulting Group, LLC, a privately held consulting firm specializing in turnaround management, merger and acquisition consulting, restructuring and strategic advisory services for public and private business entities, according to LIV Golf.
Zinman is the founder and managing member of JZ Advisors LLC, an independent strategic advisory firm serving companies across industry and life cycle.
“LIV Golf has built something truly differentiated — a global league with passionate fans, world-class talent, and demonstrated commercial momentum,” said Davis, who will serve as chairman of the Independent Directors Committee. “The executive leadership team, along with Jon and I, see a clear opportunity to help the league formalize its structure, attract and secure long-term capital, and position the business for growth while continuing to promote the game across the world. We look forward to positioning LIV Golf for future success.”
Schlabach: PGA tour has all the leverage when it comes to LIV Golf players (1:14)Mark Schlabach joins “The Pat McAfee Show” to discuss the potential for LIV Golf players returning to the PGA Tour. (1:14)
Mark Schlabach joins “The Pat McAfee Show” to discuss the potential for LIV Golf players returning to the PGA Tour. (1:14)
CloseSenior college football writer Author of seven books on college football Graduate of the University of GeorgiaFollow on X
The PIF announced Thursday that it won’t fund the LIV Golf League beyond this season.
DeChambeau’s contract with LIV Golf expires after this season.
Mark SchlabachApr 30, 2026, 07:53 AM ETCloseSenior college football writer Author of seven books on college football Graduate of the University of GeorgiaFollow on XMultiple Authors