Report: LIV Golf begins exploring potential bankruptcy options ahead of season end

LIV Golf is reportedly exploring contingency plans that could include a future bankruptcy filing, according to a new report from Bloomberg, raising fresh questions about the long-term future of Saudi Arabia’s breakaway golf league.

The report comes three weeks after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed it will no longer be funding the league past this season. 

Since launching in 2021, LIV Golf is believed to have consumed more than $5 billion in funding from the PIF. 

The league was created under the leadership of Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund and one of the driving forces behind LIV’s formation. 

Al-Rumayyan has since stepped down as chairman following the funding withdrawal.

LIV has now appointed restructuring specialists Gene Davis and Jon Zinman to oversee a revamped board, describing the pair as experienced executives capable of navigating “complex situations” and unlocking long-term value.

The latest developments come amid growing uncertainty surrounding LIV’s financial outlook.

Earlier this season, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil admitted profitability remained years away. 

During a recent TNT Sports interview, O’Neil suggested the league’s funding was only secure through the end of the 2026 season — comments that were later deleted.

However, Axios reported this week that LIV is now attempting to raise an additional $250 million in outside investment, with O’Neil reportedly telling potential investors the league could become profitable within two years — a significant change from previous projections.

Bloomberg’s report this week adds another layer of intrigue, claiming LIV Golf is considering relocating its headquarters to the United States to benefit from more favourable bankruptcy restructuring laws.

LIV currently operates through multiple jurisdictions including the United Kingdom, the United States and Jersey, while its ultimate parent entity remains based in Saudi Arabia. 

Under U.S. bankruptcy protections, foreign companies can often shield assets from overseas creditors and restructure debt more effectively.

In a statement provided to Golf Digest, a LIV Golf spokesperson insisted the organisation remains focused on securing long-term investment and building a sustainable future.

“LIV Golf is firmly focused on securing a transaction that positions the organisation for the long-term,” the spokesperson said. 

“There are multiple pathways under active exploration.”

The uncertainty surrounding LIV’s future also extends to its playing roster.

Several high-profile contracts are due to expire at the end of the season, including that of Bryson DeChambeau — arguably the league’s biggest star and commercial draw.

The two-time major champion is reportedly still in discussions over his future, with options believed to include remaining with LIV, expanding his growing YouTube golf presence, or potentially pursuing a return to the PGA Tour should that opportunity arise.

According to Golf Digest, agents representing multiple LIV players have already made contact with the PGA Tour regarding possible routes back onto the circuit.

Any return, however, is unlikely to come without complications.

Players involved in LIV’s antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour are expected to face a more difficult path back, while unconditional exemptions similar to the one reportedly offered to Brooks Koepka are not expected to become standard practice.

There have also been signs of instability on the course.

LIV has already postponed one event this season, while DeChambeau failed to make the cut at both The Masters and the PGA Championship. 

Despite Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith both contending strongly at the PGA Championship, questions around the league’s momentum continue to intensify.

LIV Golf’s next event is scheduled to take place in South Korea next week, though attention is increasingly shifting away from the fairways and toward the league’s uncertain financial future.