Report: LIV Golf’s remaining events in doubt amid funding shortfall

LIV Golf's ability to complete its 2026 season has been thrown into doubt after the Financial Times reported that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has provided only around $200m of the roughly $600m it committed to fund the remainder of the campaign.

The FT report has intensified concerns over the financial position of the breakaway league as executives race to secure new investment before the end of the season.

According to the Financial Times, uncertainty remains over whether the PIF will provide the additional funding required to meet LIV Golf's obligations, including player contracts, operating costs and prize purses for the final four events remaining on the 2026 schedule.

The league is next due to return at LIV Golf UK at JCB Golf & Country Club from 23-26 July, the week after The Open Championship. 

Events at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, Indianapolis and Michigan are then scheduled through to the end of August. 

People familiar with the current situation at LIV Golf told the Financial Times that its tournaments in England and Bedminster are expected to proceed as planned. 

However, the final two events of the season in the last two weeks of August are reportedly dependent on additional funding being made available.

Several players are also reportedly using the league's break in the schedule to determine whether or not they want to continue playing on LIV Golf.

Concerns stem from the PIF's decision earlier this season to end its financial backing of LIV Golf after the completion of the 2026 season.

In a statement issued in April, the Saudi sovereign wealth fund said: "PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season. The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF's investment strategy."

The announcement came as a surprise across the golf industry given the PIF's role as the driving force behind LIV Golf since its launch in 2021.

Multiple reports estimate the PIF has injected more than $5 billion into LIV Golf since inception. 

The PIF helped LIV bankroll enormous signing bonuses and guaranteed contracts that attracted some of the sport's biggest names, including major champions Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Sergio Garcia, Cameron Smith and Dustin Johnson.

Regulatory filings disclosed by the FT show LIV Golf received approximately $66m from the PIF in early May, followed by a further capital injection of around $130m in June. 

However, fears are growing among LIV officials and advisers over whether the remaining funding ($400m) promised for this season will even arrive to keep the show on the road. 

That's not all of LIV's problems. 

The publication also reported that discussions with potential investors are being complicated by uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf's future structure.

Prospective backers are said to be seeking clarity on what the league will look like beyond 2026, as well as which players are likely to remain committed if LIV Golf enters a new era without direct long-term PIF funding.

The uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf's future comes at a time when questions are also being asked about the long-term commitment of some of its biggest stars.

Among them is two-time major champion DeChambeau, whose current LIV Golf contract will expire at the end of this season. 

The Crushers GC captain has indicated in recent interviews that he would be open to remaining with LIV should the league continue beyond this season.

At the same time, DeChambeau has also hinted that he could pursue other opportunities if circumstances change, including focusing on his hugely successful YouTube Golf channel while continuing to compete in the majors.

DeChambeau's future is particularly significant given his status as one of LIV Golf's most recognisable players and commercially valuable assets.

Further speculation emerged Wednesday when Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee said he had heard "on the grapevine" that a route back to the PGA Tour could potentially exist for DeChambeau should he wish to return. 

Such a move would mirror the path taken by Brooks Koepka, who earlier this season returned to PGA Tour-sanctioned competition.

Patrick Reed also quit LIV Golf at the end of last season, and the former Masters champion will officially return to the PGA Tour in August. 

While there has been no indication that DeChambeau is actively pursuing a departure from LIV, uncertainty surrounding the futures of marquee players is likely to be another factor weighing on prospective investors as they assess the league's long-term viability.

Those questions are particularly important given previous reporting from the Financial Times that LIV had explored offering players equity stakes in a restructured version of the league.

Investor interest is also likely to depend on LIV's ability to establish a sustainable business model after years of heavy losses and substantial financial support from PIF. 

Perhaps the most striking revelation in the latest FT report is that LIV insiders have discussed the possibility of a formal bankruptcy process as a means of restructuring the business.

Sources familiar with the matter told the publication that bankruptcy has been considered as a potential mechanism for addressing liabilities, including financial commitments owed to players.

While there is no indication that such a move is imminent, the fact it has reportedly been discussed illustrates the scale of the financial challenges facing the league.

Cost-cutting measures are also said to be underway.

According to a person familiar with LIV's operations, the organisation has reduced staffing and travel expenditure in recent weeks as it attempts to conserve cash. 

LIV's television broadcasts have also reportedly been simplified in an effort to lower production costs.

The latest developments come as LIV chief executive Scott O'Neil continues efforts to secure fresh investment.

The league is understood to be targeting around $350m from new investors to help fund its next phase, while reports suggest O'Neil himself has considered participating in a bid.

Speaking to CNBC this week, O'Neil praised the PIF's support and described the Saudi fund as a "terrific partner". 

He also noted that the PIF had been "very public" about funding LIV through the current season.

However, he stopped short of guaranteeing that all remaining tournaments would take place.

"What I can guarantee is a heck of a return if you invest in this business," O'Neil said.

Watch O'Neil's comments here:

The Financial Times report follows separate claims from Front Office Sports that some LIV insiders feared the league may have just played its last event. 

With four tournaments left on the schedule, a search for new investors ongoing and uncertainty surrounding future PIF support, LIV Golf faces one of the most important periods in its short history.

Whether the league can successfully complete the 2026 season and secure its long-term future may depend on decisions made over the coming weeks.