Ian Poulter delivers bold LIV Golf verdict as funding questions swirl

Ian Poulter has brushed off the latest wave of uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf’s future with a typically defiant message, insisting it is “full steam ahead” for the breakaway circuit despite growing speculation over its long-term funding model.

Widespread reporting this week has indicated the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), LIV Golf’s bankroller, is going to withdraw its financial support beyond the 2026 season. 

That has naturally prompted renewed debate about the league’s sustainability, given the vast sums, $5 billion to be precise, already invested since its inception in 2022. 

Despite the PIF's heavy investment, financial losses have been significant, with figures last year suggesting a 2024 operating loss of around $462m (£340m) outside the United States, taking total losses beyond $1.1bn (£810m) since the league began.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has sent an email around to players and staff to confirm the 2026 season will continue as planned, but he has since acknowledged future funding models in sport are never guaranteed and require continuous planning.

“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 told TNT's Oliver Wilson, in a video clip that has interestingly since been deleted on social media.

European Ryder Cup hero Poulter, meanwhile, who has co-captained Majesticks GC from the outset, is unfazed by all the rumours that the end could be nigh for the LIV Golf League. 

“Listen, we’re in year five. We’re in a start-up business. We’ve had heat for five years, so 48 hours is not much of a distraction,” Poulter also told TNT's Wilson.

“We have a great product, we’ve changed numerous things. If things have to change moving forward, that’s going to happen across golf, period, whether that be the DP World Tour, the PGA Tour, or whether that be LIV. So this is full steam ahead and we are focused on what we can control, and that is going out to play golf.”

Watch Poulter's comments here:

On the course, Poulter’s focus has remained firmly on performance. 

The Englishman opened LIV Golf Mexico City with a solid four-under-par round on Thursday before slipping back with a one-over 72 on Friday, leaving him in the chasing pack heading into the weekend.

Jon Rahm, meanwhile, holds a narrow one-shot lead at 10-under par heading into the weekend. 

The LIV superstar has also downplayed the speculation, claiming he has been reassured by those around him not to worry about the rumours. 

LIV Golf Mexico City, staged at Club de Golf Chapultepec, marks the sixth stop of the 14-tournament 2026 LIV schedule.