Jon Rahm, one of LIV Golf's most prominent ambassadors, recently downplayed any anxiety about the breakaway circuit’s future, even as speculation about its financial backing swirled. Rumors have been circulating that the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), the primary sponsor of the league, might be pulling back.
The latest PIF five‑year investment plan makes no explicit reference to continued funding for LIV Golf, fueling uncertainty among players and observers. Nevertheless, the league pressed on with its newest tournament, LIV Mexico, which kicked off Thursday at the historic Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City. The event suffered a brief technical glitch during the broadcast, which LIV Golf attributed to a local power outage.
Rahm, who posted a solid 65 to finish just three strokes behind Victor Perez, used his post‑round interview to reassure fans and fellow competitors alike. "I wasn’t overly worried about the rumours," Rahm explained. "Until the people who run the league confirm whether the gossip is true or not, there’s no point in letting it distract me. We knew we were playing, so my focus was simply on preparing for the tournament." He added that the speed at which the rumors emerged left him little time to dwell on them, noting that insiders within the league seemed to be aware of the situation long before it became public.
The broader context of these concerns was highlighted by recent media reports. The Daily Telegraph revealed that LIV executives were summoned to an emergency meeting in New York, while the Financial Times later suggested that the PIF was considering a reduction in its support, though no final decision had been announced. Money in Sport noted in February that LIV Golf had already spent $5.3 billion and was on track to exceed $6 billion in expenditures by year‑end, raising questions about the sustainability of such heavy outlays. Sky Sports reported that many players were seeking reassurance, yet none of the team captains had received any definitive communication about imminent changes.
Since its launch in 2022, LIV Golf has attracted a roster of high‑profile names by offering massive signing bonuses—roughly $1 billion in total—to stars such as Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Rahm himself. This year, the prize pool for both individuals and the 13 competing teams was boosted to $30 million. Scott O'Neil, the league’s CEO, attempted to calm the nerves during Thursday’s televised broadcast.
He emphasized the league’s business trajectory, saying, "If we maintain our current growth and revenue patterns, this will be a very successful enterprise for many years to come." O'Neil highlighted that LIV Golf generated nearly half a billion dollars in sponsorship revenue last season, securing partnerships with global brands like Rolex, HSBC, and Aramco. He argued that the league’s business model was sound and that its ability to stage compelling events gave it a strong foundation for future expansion. Looking ahead, O'Neil outlined a strategic vision that blends LIV’s format with traditional national opens. He believes that many of the world’s historic championships are under‑leveraged assets that can help grow the sport at the grassroots level.
"If I were a PGA Tour player, I’d want LIV to survive because the prize money is attractive and competition drives the business forward," he said. "If I were a broadcaster, I’d love to keep LIV on the air because it makes for exciting television. Fans also want more golf content worldwide." LIV Golf was founded in 2021 with funding from the Saudi PIF, positioning itself as a challenger to the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour.
Its emergence created a clear split in professional golf, prompting several top players—including Mickelson, Rahm, and Johnson—to defect to the new circuit. Initially, tournaments were 54 holes, but the league announced a shift to 74‑hole events starting in 2026, aiming to secure Official World Golf Ranking points. The 2026 season also promises a larger prize fund, with the total purse rising to $30 million, the team component doubling to $10 million, and the individual share remaining at $20 million.
While the league began with 12 teams and 48 players, it has since expanded to 13 teams, though it has also seen the departure of notable figures such as Brooks Koepka and former Masters champion Jordan Spieth. Sky Sports News chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol offered additional perspective on the PIF’s shifting priorities.
He explained that the sovereign wealth fund, which invests Saudi oil revenues to diversify the kingdom’s economy, has released a new five‑year strategy that does not list sport as a primary focus. "Sport may now fall under tourism or entertainment," Solhekol said, suggesting that while the PIF isn’t abandoning sport entirely, it is reassessing its allocation of capital. According to Solhekol, the PIF has already invested roughly $5 billion in LIV Golf, and the league is projected to operate at a loss for the next five to ten years.
The fund’s future investments are expected to be guided by a stricter business rationale, targeting sports like football, Formula 1, boxing, and tennis only when the financial returns are clear. He also noted that global economic pressures—including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East—have impacted Gulf economies, prompting a more cautious approach to discretionary spending.
In summary, while rumors of funding cuts have created unease, Jon Rahm’s calm demeanor and the league’s continued commitment to high‑profile events suggest that LIV Golf remains determined to forge ahead. The organization is adapting its format, seeking new revenue streams, and aligning its strategic goals with the broader objectives of its Saudi backers. Whether the PIF will maintain its current level of support remains to be seen, but for now, the players are focusing on the game itself, preparing for tournaments, and hoping that the league can sustain its ambitious vision for the future of professional golf.