Jon Rahm, one of LIV Golf's most prominent figures, recently emphasized that he is not "overly concerned" about the future of the breakaway circuit, despite persistent rumors about its financial stability. The speculation stems from the fact that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the primary backer of the league, unveiled a new five‑year investment plan that did not specifically reference continued funding for LIV Golf. Even as doubts circulate, the latest tournament—LIV Mexico—proceeded as scheduled at Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City on Thursday. The event experienced a few technical glitches during the broadcast, which LIV Golf attributed to local power outages.
Rahm, who posted a 65 to finish just three strokes behind leader Victor Perez, used his post‑round interview to reassure fans and fellow players alike. "Until the people in charge tell me whether the rumours are true or not, there’s no point for me to waste time worrying about it," Rahm said. "We knew we were going to play this week, so we focused on preparing for the tournament and nothing else. When the rumors surfaced so quickly, I didn’t let them distract me because we usually get a heads‑up before anything becomes public." He added that there is always someone within the league who is privy to the latest information, and the speed at which the news broke left him unconcerned.
The broader context includes reports that LIV Golf executives were summoned to an emergency meeting in New York, as noted by the Daily Telegraph, and a Financial Times story suggesting the PIF might be on the verge of scaling back its support, although no final decision had been confirmed. Money in Sport reported in February that LIV Golf had already spent $5.3 billion and was projected to exceed $6 billion in expenditures by year‑end. Sky Sports indicated that many players are seeking reassurance, yet team captains have not been briefed on any imminent announcements. LIV Golf entered the scene in 2022, offering roughly $1 billion in signing bonuses to top PGA Tour talent such as Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Rahm himself.
This season, the prize pool for individuals and the 13 competing teams was raised to $30 million. CEO Scott O'Neil addressed the swirling speculation during Thursday’s televised broadcast, insisting that the league’s business trajectory remains positive.
He highlighted that last year LIV secured nearly half a billion dollars in sponsorship from global brands like Rolex, HSBC, and Aramco, positioning the organization in a "wonderful" financial spot. O'Neil also emphasized the league’s adaptability, noting that LIV plans to integrate national opens into its schedule, tapping into under‑exploited assets that can help grow the game 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 business," O'Neil said. "If I were a TV network, I’d love LIV to thrive because it makes compelling television. If I were a journalist, it adds spice to the news cycle. And if I’m a fan, I simply want more golf to watch around the world.
The upside of keeping LIV alive far outweighs the downside of losing it." LIV Golf, launched in 2021 with funding from the Saudi PIF, was designed as a rival to the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. Its emergence split professional golf, drawing high‑profile players like Mickelson, Rahm and Johnson away from traditional tours. Initially featuring 54‑hole events, the format will shift to 74 holes in 2026 as the league seeks Official World Golf Ranking points.
A 2026 prize fund increase to $30 million has been announced, with the team prize doubling to $10 million alongside a $20 million individual purse. The league started with 12 teams and 48 players, later expanding to 13 teams. However, recent months have seen notable departures, including five‑time major champion Brooks Koepka and former Masters winner Jordan Spieth, raising questions about player retention.
Sky Sports News chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol offered insight into the PIF’s shifting priorities. He explained that the sovereign wealth fund, which invests oil revenues to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, released a new five‑year strategy that omits sport as a distinct focus area.
While sport may still fall under broader categories like tourism and entertainment, the fund appears to be re‑evaluating its approach, seeking clearer returns on investment. "They have already invested about $5 billion in LIV, and the league is expected to lose money for the next five to ten years," Solhekol noted.
"Going forward, the PIF will likely continue backing football, Formula 1, boxing and tennis, but with a stricter business rationale. They don’t want to be seen simply as money‑throwers; they want deals that make sense financially." The commentator also mentioned the wider geopolitical climate, referencing the war in the Middle East and its impact on global economies, especially in the Gulf region. He suggested that Saudi Arabia will maintain its commitment to sport but will adopt a more measured, sensible investment strategy. In summary, while rumors about funding cuts have created uncertainty, Jon Rahm and LIV Golf’s leadership remain confident.
Rahm’s focus on preparation and performance, coupled with O'Neil’s emphasis on sponsorship, structural evolution, and the league’s broader mission to grow golf worldwide, paints a picture of resilience. The league’s future may hinge on the PIF’s strategic decisions, but for now, its top players continue to compete, and its organizers are actively shaping a sustainable business model that could keep LIV Golf on the professional circuit for years to come.