LIV Golf has announced that it has struck a deal with a fresh, unnamed lead investor after the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) disclosed in April that it would cease its financial support for the breakaway circuit at the close of 2026. According to Sky Sports News, the transaction is expected to be finalized later this month. Under the terms of the new arrangement, the players themselves will obtain a controlling equity interest in the league. The upcoming season is slated to feature roughly ten team‑based tournaments throughout the year, complemented by five worldwide "Team Majors" staged on different continents.
This structure is intended to give the competition a truly global footprint while ensuring that the athletes have a direct stake in the league’s success. The PIF’s withdrawal earlier this year sparked considerable uncertainty about LIV Golf’s long‑term viability. In response, the organization underwent a board reshuffle and subsequently declared that it was actively seeking "long‑term financial partners" to replace the departing sovereign wealth fund. CEO Scott O'Neil told Sky Sports News that the league is now building a "multi‑partner model" that will combine the new lead investor with a slate of minority backers, thereby creating a more resilient financial foundation.
"LIV Golf now has a binding agreement with a lead investor, signed by the investor and approved by the Board, to anchor the transaction and play a pivotal role in supporting the next era of the league, driven by and for the players," O'Neil explained. He added that more than a dozen additional parties have expressed interest in becoming minority shareholders, reinforcing the multi‑partner approach aimed at long‑term stability and growth. One of the most striking aspects of the deal is that the players will become the majority owners of the league – a first for a major global sport.
O'Neil believes this ownership model will give the league a solid platform to expand the game worldwide. The CEO indicated that the transaction with the lead investor is expected to close in September, describing the development as "good news" for the sport’s future. During a press conference ahead of LIV Golf New York, O'Neil confirmed that the players were informed of the agreement on Tuesday and that the news generated "good excitement" among them. The announcement coincided with a players‑only meeting at Trump Bedminster, led by Bryson DeChambeau.
Although O'Neil was not present at that gathering, he said the athletes engaged in "robust conversations" that have had a "positive impact" on the league’s direction. While O'Neil declined to reveal the specifics of the new investment, he expressed gratitude toward the PIF for granting LIV Golf the time needed to secure alternative financing. "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," he said. The question of whether DeChambeau will re‑sign for another season has been a focal point of speculation.
His current contract runs through the end of the 2026 season, and the two‑time U.S. Open champion is reportedly aiming for a new deal valued at around $500 million (£370.5 million). Alongside Jon Rahm, DeChambeau represents one of the biggest draws for the LIV circuit, and securing his services is crucial for the league’s credibility.
Given the recent funding crisis, such a massive payout seemed unlikely. However, the arrival of a new investor has revived optimism that LIV Golf can meet the financial expectations of its star players. O'Neil outlined a vision of an "era of free agency" in which LIV would collaborate more closely with other tours, offering players greater flexibility and choice. "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, referring to the potential involvement of other tours and major players.
He added, "I think we have enough support from enough players, and we have such an interesting format and global format, I think we'll do quite well in getting the right stars for this game." The revamped financial structure, combined with a player‑centric ownership model, aims to position LIV Golf as a sustainable alternative to traditional tours. By distributing equity among the athletes and attracting a diversified group of investors, the league hopes to weather future financial headwinds and continue expanding its innovative tournament format across continents. In summary, LIV Golf’s new partnership marks a pivotal moment in its evolution. The lead investor will anchor the league’s finances, while a broad coalition of minority investors will provide additional stability.
Most importantly, the shift to player majority ownership could redefine how professional golf leagues operate, potentially setting a precedent for other sports seeking to align financial incentives with athlete interests. The upcoming season, featuring ten team events and five global Team Majors, will serve as a testing ground for this new model.
If successful, LIV Golf may not only secure its own future but also influence the broader landscape of professional golf worldwide.