Report: LIV Golf brings in financial advisers amid urgent push to replace Saudi funding

LIV Golf has hired a team of heavyweight financial advisers as it scrambles to secure a multi-billion dollar funding lifeline following Saudi Arabia’s decision to withdraw its backing, according to Sky News.

Sky News’ Mark Kleinman reports that the breakaway league has brought in restructuring specialists from AlixPartners to help draw up a new business plan designed to attract external investors. 

Sources said LIV Golf is also close to appointing a leading investment bank to support its capital-raising efforts, with talks expected to begin in the coming days.

The move follows confirmation that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will fund the league only through the end of the 2026 season, leaving its long-term future uncertain and prompting an urgent search for new backers.

Insiders suggested AlixPartners’ mandate could extend beyond fundraising to include contingency planning for a potential wind-down or insolvency process if fresh investment cannot be secured. 

However, one source insisted the immediate focus is on producing “a well-developed, credible financial plan to potential investors”, while noting the board will “evaluate all options for LIV”.

In a statement issued to Sky News, a LIV Golf spokesperson said: “LIV Golf has engaged experienced advisers across disciplines to identify and secure long-term strategic investment partners and guide us through our next phase.”

LIV Golf’s Saudi backers have spent an estimated $5 billion attempting to establish the league as a global rival to the PGA Tour, offering vast sums to attract elite players. 

Jon Rahm reportedly signed for $300m (£222m), while Bryson DeChambeau and others also secured lucrative deals to join the circuit.

Despite assembling a roster of world-class talent and expanding to a 13-team, global format played across multiple continents, the league has yet to demonstrate a clear path to profitability.

Efforts to secure new investment come amid mounting challenges. A scheduled June tournament in Louisiana was recently postponed amid concerns that a clash with the football World Cup would affect attendance and viewing figures. Summer heat was also cited as another reason to cancel. 

LIV has also explored selling minority stakes in its teams, with Citigroup advising on that process.

PIF said its decision to withdraw longer-term funding reflects a shift in priorities, citing “investment priorities and current macro dynamics”.

After PIF's announcement was made official, LIV Golf confirmed new board appointments to evaluate strategic alternatives for the league beyond 2026.

Uncertainty around the league’s future has also sparked speculation about player movement, with reports suggesting some stars could consider a return to the PGA Tour. 

DeChambeau, however, dismissed those claims in an interview with Flushing It earlier this week by claiming: “It’s completely untrue.”

The two-time U.S. Open champion added: “I’m working as hard as I can to find a solution.”

Reaffirming his commitment to the format, DeChambeau said: “I’m committed to making team golf work in the best way possible. I think there’s a place for it in the ecosystem and I want to continue to grow the game across the world. That’s always been our mission and it’s never been more true than now.”

With its primary funding source set to fall away, LIV Golf now faces a defining period as it seeks to secure fresh investment and prove its long-term viability in the global game.