Jon Rahm, one of LIV Golf's most prominent figures, told reporters that he is not "overly concerned" about the breakaway circuit's outlook, even as speculation about its financial stability continues to circulate. Recent chatter has suggested that the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), the primary backer of the series, may be reconsidering its long‑term commitment. The fund's latest five‑year investment blueprint omitted any explicit reference to future funding for LIV Golf, prompting observers to wonder whether the league's cash flow could be at risk. Despite the uncertainty, the latest installment of the tour – LIV Mexico – kicked off on Thursday at the historic Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City.
The event suffered a few technical glitches during the broadcast, which LIV Golf attributed to local power outages that temporarily disrupted the feed. Rahm posted a solid 65 in the opening round, finishing just three strokes behind Victor Perez and securing a solo second‑place finish. When asked about the rumors swirling around the league's finances, he emphasized that he had not let them affect his preparation or mindset. "Until the people in charge confirm whether the rumors are true, there is no point for me to waste mental energy on them," Rahm explained.
"We knew we were going to play this tournament, so my focus was simply on getting ready for the competition." He added that the speed with which the speculation emerged left him relatively unfazed. "The information came out so quickly that I didn't have time to get anxious. Usually, before rumors spread, we receive some sort of clarification, so I just kept my head down and played my golf." The Daily Telegraph reported that LIV Golf executives were summoned to an emergency meeting in New York, while the Financial Times later indicated that the PIF was reportedly on the brink of scaling back its support, though no final decision had been announced. Money in Sport, a sports‑business newsletter, disclosed in February that LIV Golf had already burned through $5.3 billion (£3.9 billion) and was projected to exceed $6 billion (£4.42 billion) by year‑end.
Sky Sports noted that many players were seeking reassurance, yet none of the team captains had been briefed on any imminent announcement. LIV Golf debuted in 2022 with a splash, offering roughly $1 billion in signing bonuses to a handful of PGA Tour superstars, including Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm himself. This year the prize pool for individual competitors and the thirteen franchise teams was lifted to $30 million.
CEO Scott O'Neil, speaking during Thursday's televised broadcast, tried to calm nerves by highlighting the league's growth trajectory. "If we maintain our current pace and keep revenue expanding, this will be a highly successful business for many years to come," he said. He pointed to the half‑billion‑dollar sponsorship haul secured last season from global brands such as Rolex, HSBC and Aramco, underscoring the league's commercial appeal. "From a business perspective, we are in a wonderful position," O'Neil continued.
"From a structural standpoint, the organization will keep evolving as it has over the past twelve months. We know how to put on a show and how to grow the game." Looking ahead, O'Neil hinted at a strategic shift that would blend LIV events with traditional national opens.
"National opens are under‑appreciated and under‑marketed, yet they represent a huge opportunity to grow golf at the grassroots level," he explained. "By integrating those tournaments, we can expand the sport's reach and create more compelling content for fans." He also made a broader case for the league's existence. "If I were a PGA Tour player, I would want LIV to survive because the prize money is attractive and competition drives business. If I were a broadcaster, LIV provides great television.
If I were a journalist, it adds spice to the news. And if I were a fan, I simply want more golf to watch worldwide." LIV Golf was originally launched in 2021 with funding from the Saudi PIF to challenge the established PGA Tour and the DP World Tour.
Its arrival split professional golf, prompting several high‑profile players, including Mickelson, Rahm and Johnson, to defect to the new circuit. Initially the schedule featured 54‑hole tournaments, but the format will expand to 74 holes beginning in 2026, a change aimed at securing Official World Golf Ranking points. The same year will also see the total prize fund rise to $30 million, with the team prize pool doubling to $10 million alongside a $20 million individual purse.
The league started with twelve franchises and forty‑eight players, later expanding to thirteen teams. However, it has already seen some notable departures, such as Brooks Koepka and former Masters champion Jordan Spieth, who left in recent months.
Sky Sports' chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol offered insight into the broader financial context. He noted that the PIF, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, channels oil revenues into diversified investments to reduce the kingdom's reliance on energy exports. "In the new five‑year strategy, sport is no longer listed as a standalone focus; it now falls under the broader categories of tourism and entertainment," Solhekol said. "This doesn't mean Saudi Arabia is abandoning sport altogether, but it does suggest a more business‑driven approach.
The PIF has already invested roughly $5 billion in LIV, and analysts expect the league to operate at a loss for the next five to ten years. Going forward, the fund will continue to back football, Formula 1, boxing and tennis, but each deal will need to demonstrate a clear return on investment." He also highlighted external pressures, such as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on global economies, especially those in the Gulf region.
"Saudi Arabia wants to keep investing in sport, but it will do so with greater fiscal prudence," Solhekol concluded. In summary, while rumors about funding cuts persist, Jon Rahm remains focused on his game and appears unconcerned about the league's financial future.
The LIV organization, under O'Neil's leadership, continues to emphasize its commercial partnerships, evolving format and ambition to integrate traditional national opens. Whether the PIF will sustain its backing remains to be seen, but both players and executives seem determined to keep the tour on course for the foreseeable future.