LIV Golf CEO addresses PIF funding future and Bryson DeChambeau contract uncertainty

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil has directly addressed mounting speculation over the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) long-term financial commitment to the breakaway league, while also offering an update on Bryson DeChambeau’s future.

Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with TNT Sports commentator and two-time European Tour winner Oliver Wilson — part of the UK broadcast team for all LIV Golf events — O’Neil tackled growing industry chatter around the league’s funding structure and the stability of its biggest star’s contract situation. 

Wilson began by pressing O’Neil on the future of PIF funding, referencing suggestions that players had previously been told funding would be secured through to 2030.

However, multiple media reports this week have suggested discussions have taken place regarding a restructuring of PIF’s financial commitment, with some publications such as Fox News indicating support will be completely cut past the 2026 season. 

O'Neil has since hit out at unnamed sources across each of the articles he has read. 

LIV Golf has operated under PIF ownership since its launch in summer 2022 and is currently staging its sixth event of the 2026 season in Mexico.

Asked directly for clarity on the future of PIF funding, O’Neil pushed back on the idea of guaranteed long-term certainty.

“Yeah of course, I mean, it’s just not the way the world works,” O’Neil told TNT's Wilson.

“The reality is you’re funded through the season and then you work like crazy to create a business plan to keep us going.”

O’Neil also addressed wider concerns about sustainability, with reports suggesting LIV Golf has incurred significant investment — widely cited at around $5 billion over four years since its inception.

Drawing on his background in North American sport, including senior roles across the NBA, NHL and NFL, O’Neil emphasised the importance of LIV’s franchise model and long-term commercial direction.

“The essence of the return on this business will come through the equity of our teams,” confirmed O'Neil of the league's plans. 

Wilson then turned his attention to DeChambeau, LIV Golf’s most high-profile player and one of its key global drawcards.

DeChambeau, 32, is reportedly seeking a contract extension with LIV Golf worth approximately $500 million. 

His current deal, estimated to be worth over $125 million, concludes after the 2026 season, and he is using his huge engagement on YouTube, social media and impressive recent performances where he won in back-to-back weeks in Singapore and South Africa to command his new financial figure. 

Recent speculation has suggested the two-time US Open champion is weighing up his long-term future, with reports linking him to a potential return to the PGA Tour — following in the footsteps of players such as Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed, who have moved back into the traditional circuit this season.

DeChambeau even recently teased the idea of going alone on YouTube if needed. 

While DeChambeau has still not made an official decision on his LIV Golf future, O'Neil was emphatic in his praise of the Crushers GC captain and confidence regarding his contract extension.

“I am with Bryson way more than I am with my own family,” said O’Neil.

“We spend quite a bit of time together travelling the world. I can tell you there is nobody more passionate about this game, including me, nobody more passionate about team golf, including me, nobody more passionate about growing the game than Bryson. 

“He loves LIV Golf and I’m pretty confident we’ll find a solution.”

Looking ahead, O’Neil also hinted LIV Golf will continue to target emerging international players rather than established PGA Tour stars.

His comments about signings point towards a broader evolution in LIV’s roster-building approach as the league continues to define its long-term identity in the global golf landscape.

For now, attention remains fixed on two key uncertainties: the scale of future PIF backing and whether DeChambeau will remain central to LIV Golf’s plans beyond his current deal.

What do you make of the latest rumours surfacing at LIV Golf? Do you think PIF will pull the plug, or is it all just outside noise once more? If PIF cuts funding, do you think the end is nigh for the breakaway league? Also, what do you think DeChambeau will decide to do with his future? Share your thoughts and comments below, or come and join the debate on our social media channels - @GolfMagic