LIV Golf will NOT be funded by Saudi PIF past 2026 season, confirms bombshell report

Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier has confirmed LIV Golf’s financial backing from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) will come to an end after the 2026 season, delivering the clearest indication yet that the Saudi-funded breakaway league faces an uncertain future beyond next year.

Baier, citing two sources with direct knowledge of the situation, revealed that while the PIF will continue to fund LIV Golf through the remainder of the 2026 campaign, its long-term financial commitment is set to be withdrawn as part of a broader shift in priorities. The funding through 2026 is expected to cover all major operational aspects of the league, including player contracts, television agreements and tournament staging.

“Breaking tonight: within the last hour the LIV Golf tour is in serious trouble tonight. The Saudis want out — eventually," confirmed Baier on his latest report for Fox News.

“Two sources who know the inner workings of the decision tell me the Saudis will fund LIV Golf events thru the end of the season. That means the contracts, TV deals, the tournament venues renaming will all be funded.

“Other decisions about unwinding LIV or merging it with other tours will follow that. But sources say the Saudis funding will definitely come to an end at the end of this LIV season, citing a change of priorities.”

Watch Baier drop his bombshell here:

The stunning development follows a wave of reports earlier on Wednesday suggesting the PIF — widely regarded as one of the most powerful sovereign wealth funds in the world, with an estimated $1.1 trillion in assets under management — was already reconsidering its investment in LIV Golf after committing more than $5 billion to the project since its launch in 2022.

Last year it was reported that LIV’s net losses in its international markets outside the US had surged to $461.8 million in 2024, taking total losses to more than $1.1 billion since the league teed off. 

It's understood income from broadcast rights was reported at just $2.7 million.

LIV chief executive Scott O’Neil stated earlier this season that the league was unlikely to become profitable for another five to 10 years.

But after today's bombshell news, it now remains to be seen whether the league gets the opportunity to do just that. 

Further concerns surrounding the league’s financial health were raised Wednesday by Golf Channel's Rex Hoggard, who reported “some players and vendors” have not been paid in recent weeks, adding to growing uncertainty behind the scenes at LIV Golf. 

ESPN's Trey Wingo considers an even bigger reason for PIF wanting to pull the plug on LIV Golf is a result of the geopolitical climate Saudi Arabia currently finds itself in. 

Scroll down to see what Wingo had to say...

LIV Golf CEO remains defiant 

Despite mounting speculation LIV's future is in danger, O'Neil has sought to reassure players and staff in a message sent ahead of this week’s event in Mexico.

In an email obtained by ESPN, the LIV Golf CEO has insisted the league’s 2026 season remains firmly on track and unaffected by the external noise.

“I want to be crystal clear: Our season continues exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle,” O’Neil wrote.

“While the media landscape is often filled with speculation, our reality is defined by the work we do on the grass. We are heading into the heart of our 2026 schedule with the full energy of an organisation that is bigger, louder, and more influential than ever before.”

Notably, however, O’Neil’s message did not directly address the reports surrounding the PIF’s long-term plans or clarify whether LIV Golf would continue beyond the 2026 season, leaving key questions unanswered.

Scroll below to read O'Neil's email...

LIV Golf, which launched in 2022 as a disruptive force in professional golf, is currently midway through its fifth season and is staging an event this week at Club de Golf Chapultepec near Mexico City. 

The league is also scheduled to host its first U.S. event of the season from 7-10 May at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.

While the league appears financially secure in the short term, Baier’s report for Fox News suggests that significant decisions lie ahead. 

Whether that results in a merger with the DP World Tour, a restructuring of the league or the end of LIV Golf as it currently exists remains to be seen.

One thing is now for certain, at least according to Fox News, and that is the PIF is stepping away at the conclusion of the 2026 season.