LIV Golf has announced that it will be letting go of the bulk of its employees starting next week, as the organization continues discussions aimed at securing its long‑term viability. The decision follows the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) announcing that its financial support will cease after the conclusion of the 2026 season, leaving the league with no choice but to trim its headcount regardless of whether any new investment deals are sealed.
Earlier this week, the league informed the "majority of its workforce" that their contracts under the current LIV 1.0 structure will terminate in the first week of September. Employees had previously been warned in July that redundancies were a possibility, and the recent notice confirms that the cuts will be extensive.
The statement, delivered to Sky Sports, emphasized that the funding commitment from PIF, which was announced earlier in the year, is set to run its course, prompting a scaling‑back of operations as the organization pivots toward a future version known as LIV 2.0. "The funding commitment announced by PIF earlier this year will reach its conclusion," a LIV spokesperson told Sky Sports. "As a result, we are scaling back operations as we transition to the next chapter of LIV Golf and work toward making LIV 2.0 a reality." The spokesperson added that many staff members would see their employment end in early September and expressed gratitude for their dedication in building the league from the ground up. The organization also pledged to support those affected throughout the transition period.
The cuts come at a time when the league, which once employed more than 300 people worldwide, is still hopeful that a portion of its workforce could be rehired if the new iteration of the competition materialises. No definitive decision has yet been made regarding the staffing levels required for any future version of LIV Golf.
The 2024 season concluded a week earlier than scheduled after the Team Championship in Michigan was cancelled. At an event in Indianapolis, chief executive Scott O'Neil expressed optimism that fresh investment could be secured, allowing the league to move forward.
While the league is reportedly in talks with a potential lead investor and several minority investors, the term sheet that would fund the next season remains non‑binding and has not been finalised. Proposals under consideration include restructuring the league so that the players hold a majority ownership stake and implementing a framework of "commercial discipline".
The envisioned schedule could feature five Team Championships spread across five continents, complemented by five Signature Events aligned with the major championships. Prominent players have voiced their perspectives on the situation. Bryson DeChambeau, speaking ahead of the season finale, urged fans to give LIV Golf "one more shot and be open‑minded". Ian Poulter echoed the sentiment, describing it would be "a real shame" if the league were unable to continue.
Tyrrell Hatton, who entered the Husqvarna British Masters after the Team Championship was called off, avoided speculation about his own playing future. In a pre‑tournament press conference he said, "I would expect there to be LIV next season. I know they've worked really hard to get the funding and stuff in place, so I know it's full steam ahead on that front." When asked about his personal schedule, Hatton replied, "To be honest, I haven't thought about that – I've got enough to worry about with playing golf for the rest of the year. I've still got multiple years left in my contract with LIV and I've got plenty of tournaments this year, so there's nothing really to focus on other than the golf." The league's future hinges on whether the proposed investment structure can be agreed upon and whether the new commercial model will attract enough sponsors and broadcasters.
If successful, LIV 2.0 could present a more sustainable financial model, with player‑led ownership potentially aligning incentives more closely with the athletes' interests. The suggested five‑continent team championship format would also aim to broaden the sport's global footprint, offering fans in different regions the chance to experience high‑profile events. In the meantime, fans can still follow the remaining tournaments. The Husqvarna British Masters, for example, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf, with coverage starting at 12:30 pm on Thursday.
Viewers also have the option to stream Sky Sports without a contract via the NOW platform, providing flexible access to the action. Overall, LIV Golf is navigating a turbulent period marked by the withdrawal of its primary backer, extensive staff reductions, and ongoing negotiations with prospective investors. The organization remains committed to preserving the league in some form, hoping that the transition to LIV 2.0 will bring a more resilient and player‑centric structure that can endure beyond the current financial uncertainty.