LIV Golf has announced that it has struck a deal with a new, unnamed lead investor after the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) disclosed in April that it would cease its financial support for the breakaway tour at the close of 2026. According to Sky Sports News, the parties expect to finalize the agreement within the current month. The arrangement includes a significant shift in ownership: the players themselves will acquire a majority equity stake in the league, while the competition format will continue to revolve around roughly ten team‑based events each season.
The upcoming season’s calendar is slated to feature five global "Team Majors" staged on different continents, providing a truly international showcase for the league’s distinctive team‑play concept. The PIF’s decision to withdraw its backing earlier this year had raised serious questions about LIV Golf’s long‑term viability, prompting the organization to restructure its board and openly seek new "long‑term financial partners". LIV Golf chief executive Scott O'Neil told Sky Sports News that the league is now moving toward a "multi‑partner model" anchored by the new lead investor. He explained that the model is designed to deliver lasting stability and growth by diversifying the ownership base.
"LIV Golf has an agreement in place with a lead investor, signed by the investor and approved by the Board, to anchor the transaction and play a key role in supporting the path forward for the League's next era, driven by and for the players," O'Neil said. He added that more than a dozen additional parties have expressed interest in becoming minority investors, further reinforcing the multi‑partner structure. One of the most groundbreaking elements of the deal is that the players will become the majority equity holders in the league – a first for any major global sports organization.
This shift is intended to give the athletes a direct stake in the league’s success and to provide a solid foundation for expanding the sport worldwide. O'Neil emphasized that the new partnership is expected to be formalized in September, describing the development as "good news" for the league and its members. During a press conference ahead of LIV Golf New York, O'Neil revealed that the players were informed of the new arrangement on Tuesday and responded with "good excitement." The announcement coincided with a players‑only meeting led by Bryson DeChambeau at Trump Bedminster, where the athletes engaged in robust discussions about the league’s future. Although O'Neil was not present at that meeting, he said the conversations had a "positive impact" on the overall sentiment.
While the CEO remained tight‑lipped about the specific terms of the investment, he expressed gratitude to the PIF for granting LIV Golf the time needed to secure alternative funding. "I have a lot of appreciation for them allowing us this time to go and find investment, and it's not something they had to do," O'Neil remarked. The news also reignited speculation about whether top players such as Bryson DeChambeau will commit to another season on the LIV circuit.
DeChambeau’s current contract expires at the end of the 2026 season, and the two‑time U.S. Open champion is reportedly seeking a new deal worth around $500 million (approximately £370.5 million). Alongside Jon Rahm, DeChambeau represents one of the league’s biggest draws, and securing their continued participation is crucial for LIV Golf’s credibility.
In the wake of the funding crisis, many observers doubted that the league could meet such a hefty financial demand. However, O'Neil expressed optimism that the new investor will enable LIV Golf to retain its marquee talent.
He outlined a vision of an "era of free agency" in which LIV Golf collaborates more closely with established tours, creating a more fluid marketplace for player movement. "I would certainly love them to come along for the ride and journey because they carry maybe more weight than anybody in the game and I have a lot of time for that," O'Neil said.
He added that the league’s unique format, global reach, and growing player support position it well to attract and keep top stars. Beyond the immediate financial considerations, the new partnership is expected to have broader implications for the sport.
By giving players a controlling interest, LIV Golf hopes to foster a more player‑centric culture, encouraging innovation in tournament design, fan engagement, and prize structures. The multi‑partner model also opens the door for strategic collaborations with technology firms, media outlets, and other stakeholders interested in expanding golf’s audience.
The league’s schedule, featuring ten team events and five international Team Majors, is designed to differentiate LIV Golf from traditional tours. Each event will combine individual performance with team scoring, creating a hybrid competition that aims to attract both purist fans and newcomers seeking a more dynamic viewing experience. The global spread of the Team Majors—planned across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia—will showcase the sport in diverse markets, potentially unlocking new sponsorship and broadcast opportunities. While the exact timeline for the new investor’s capital infusion remains to be confirmed, the September target suggests that the league is moving quickly to solidify its financial footing.
In the meantime, LIV Golf will continue to operate under the existing PIF funding until the end of 2026, ensuring that the current season proceeds without interruption. Overall, the agreement signals a pivotal moment for LIV Golf. By transitioning to a player‑majority ownership structure and embracing a diversified investment base, the league aims to secure its future, retain its star talent, and continue to challenge the traditional golf establishment with its innovative format and global ambitions.