LIV Golf players told of PIF exit “over the past two weeks” as optimism remains

LIV Golf is bracing for a major reset after confirmation that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) will end its financial backing of the league beyond the 2026 season.

The PIF has poured an estimated $5 billion into LIV Golf since its launch in 2022, bankrolling its rapid rise and helping lure global stars such as Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau with huge contracts, as well as offering up eye-watering $30 million tournament purses.

But after weeks of mounting speculation, the Wall Street Journal confirmed on Wednesday night that the Saudi fund will not continue its investment past the current cycle.

The news was swiftly followed by another significant development as Sports Business Journal’s Josh Carpenter reported that Yasir Al-Rumayyan — governor of the PIF — has stepped down as chairman of the LIV Golf board.

Al-Rumayyan has been a central figure in LIV’s creation and growth, working alongside former CEO Greg Norman to launch the breakaway league and push its team-based format. His exit now points to a clear shift in direction.

The news comes 48 hours after LIV Golf postponed its Louisiana event from 25-28 June. 

Players were told two weeks ago

Despite reports suggesting the news broke internally this week, GolfMagic understands players and staff had been informed of the update the last couple of weeks. 

"LIV Golf players and staff have been made aware of this fact [PIF removing funding past 2026] over the past two weeks," a source confirmed to GolfMagic's Andy Roberts. 

The timing aligns with a call involving all 13 LIV team captains on Tuesday — part of what sources describe as standard player-first communication ahead of a major announcement.

Not all doom and gloom at LIV

While the loss of PIF backing is a seismic moment, insiders insist the mood inside LIV Golf remains positive.

"It's a very optimistic LIV Golf team currently," a source told GolfMagic. 

That confidence is being fuelled by active efforts to secure new funding.

"LIV Golf is currently engaging in constructive discussions with prospective global investors," the source adds. 

Despite the uncertainty created by the Public Investment Fund’s decision to end its financial backing after 2026, there are clear signs that LIV Golf’s commercial momentum is accelerating rather than stalling.

Through the first five events of the 2026 season, the league is reportedly tracking around $100 million ahead of last year’s revenue, with sponsorship and partnership income up roughly 40% year-on-year. 

That growth has been underpinned by a growing roster of global brands, including Rolex, HSBC, Salesforce, Qualcomm, Coca-Cola, Porsche, Google Cloud, IBM and Red Bull, among others.

LIV has also expanded its commercial footprint through event ownership, announcing five title partners for 2026 — a sharp increase from none the previous year — spanning markets such as Riyadh, Hong Kong, Singapore, Virginia and the UK.

On the fan engagement side, ticket sales are up significantly, with demand reportedly rising by more than 120% year-on-year, while VIP hospitality revenue has grown by around 67%, with expectations of sell-outs in premium areas across multiple events.

Retail and merchandise sales are also up by roughly a quarter, while digital traction continues to surge, with YouTube engagement reportedly increasing by more than 300% year-on-year.

Taken together, the numbers suggest that while LIV Golf faces a major funding shift, its commercial engine — from sponsorship and ticketing to digital growth — is showing strong upward momentum, offering a more optimistic backdrop heading into its next phase.

LIV’s next move

LIV Golf is expected to outline its strategic roadmap imminently, with a clear focus on survival and long-term growth.

Sources indicate to GolfMagic that the plan will include leadership restructuring, new board appointments, and a push to bring in long-term financial partners.

The league is also set to double down on its franchise model, reinforcing its investment-driven structure built around team ownership and equity opportunities.

Crucially, there remains strong internal belief in the team format that has defined LIV since day one.

Full details of LIV Golf’s next chapter are expected shortly, with further updates to follow on GolfMagic.