LIV Golf chief executive Scott O'Neil moved to quiet the chatter surrounding the league’s financial outlook by sending a memo to staff that confirmed the 2026 schedule will go ahead exactly as intended, "at full throttle." The internal note, which was also shared with the Associated Press on Wednesday night, arrived after a day filled with speculation that Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund might be pulling back its backing of the up‑start tour. The Daily Telegraph reported that LIV Golf executives were summoned to an emergency gathering in New York, and the Financial Times later suggested the Public Investment Fund (PIF) – the Saudi entity that bankrolls the venture – was on the brink of curtailing its support, though no definitive decision had been reached. Money in Sport, a sports‑business newsletter, had earlier disclosed that LIV Golf had already expended $5.3 billion (£3.9 billion) and was on track to exceed $6 billion (£4.4 billion) by year‑end. Sky Sports noted that many players were left in a state of uncertainty, seeking reassurance, but none of the team captains had been told of any imminent change.
In his memo O'Neil wrote, "I want to be crystal clear: Our season continues exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle." He added that while the media often thrives on speculation, the league’s reality is defined by the work performed on the course. "We are entering the heart of our 2026 schedule with the full energy of an organisation that is bigger, louder and more influential than ever before." The memo did not clarify how long the current funding stream would last. LIV Golf launched in June 2022 with a splash, offering roughly $1 billion (£737 million) in signing bonuses to several of the PGA Tour’s top names, including Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm.
This year the prize pool for individuals and the 13‑team competition was lifted to $30 million (£22.1 million). Since then, Koepka has departed LIV and been permitted to re‑join the PGA Tour under certain conditions, while Patrick Reed also left and is now competing on the DP World Tour, positioning himself to be eligible for a PGA Tour return in 2027 via the DP World Tour points race. Questions about the longevity of PIF’s backing resurfaced after the fund unveiled a new five‑year investment strategy. In a statement, PIF said the 2026‑2030 plan represents a "natural evolution" as it shifts from a phase of rapid expansion to one focused on sustained value creation, greater impact, higher investment efficiency and the highest standards of governance and transparency.
The strategy was drafted before the recent US‑Israel‑Iran conflict, and PIF governor Yasir Al‑Rumayyan – a golf enthusiast who championed the creation of LIV – told the Financial Times that the war would inevitably add pressure to reassess priorities. When LIV players gathered at Chapultepec Golf Club for the Mexico event slated to start Thursday, they were still without concrete answers as rumors swirled throughout Wednesday.
"Honestly, we will only listen to what Yasir told us at the start of the year – that he stands behind us and that the project is intended for many years," said Sergio García, captain of the Fireballs GC, speaking in Spanish. He added that rumors are inevitable and he could not provide any new information beyond what was already known. One anonymous source claimed Al‑Rumayyan met with players in early March in Hong Kong and indicated that funding would be secured through 2032. The same source said O'Neil arrived in Mexico City on Wednesday and planned to meet the players in person.
LIV Golf promoted the Mexico tournament on social media with the tagline, "Slow news day? We are ON." To date, LIV has staged five tournaments this season – in Saudi Arabia, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Africa. The tour celebrated a feel‑good moment in Australia when Anthony Kim captured victory after a twelve‑year hiatus marked by struggles with substance abuse. Bryson DeChambeau, who won the previous two events in playoffs, is aiming to become the first LIV competitor to claim three consecutive titles.
DeChambeau, a two‑time U.S. Open champion, missed the cut at the Masters last week. LIV’s global‑centric approach means its first U.S. event will not take place until May 7‑10 at Trump National in Virginia.
"The life of a startup movement is often defined by these moments of pressure," O'Neil observed. "We signed up for this because we believe in disrupting the status quo. We have faced headwinds since the jump, and we have answered each time with resilience and grace.
Now we answer by doing what we do best: putting on the most compelling show in sports." He concluded his note with a rallying call: "We are pioneers, and while the road isn’t always smooth, the destination is worth every mile. Let’s go out and show the world why LIV Golf is the future of the game." In related developments, Premier Golf League – a separate breakaway concept that pre‑dated LIV – has filed a lawsuit against the Public Investment Fund, Golf Saudi, various LIV entities and two individuals in the London Commercial Court. The claim, lodged on April 16, alleges that the PIF diverted funds that were originally discussed for a partnership with the Premier Golf League, ultimately leading to the creation of LIV Golf in October 2021. Golf analyst Paul McGinley, speaking on The Golf Channel, noted that the story is evolving quickly and that while there is no definitive confirmation yet, credible journalists and insiders hold a strong view that significant changes are on the horizon.
He highlighted that both LIV and PGA Tour players now possess unprecedented leverage, a shift first articulated by Phil Mickelson, who remarked that professional golfers have never had such bargaining power. McGinley also pointed out that the PGA Tour’s new CEO, Brian Rollapp, faces the challenge of generating more revenue while managing costs, noting that prize funds on the LIV circuit have reached staggering levels – first‑place checks of $4‑$4.5 million with relatively small fields – a model that may not be sustainable without continued deep pockets. Overall, while the future of LIV Golf’s financing remains a topic of debate, the organization’s leadership and many of its players appear determined to press on with the 2026 season, delivering high‑profile events across the globe and continuing to position themselves as a disruptive force within professional golf.