LIV Golf has announced that it will be letting go of the bulk of its workforce starting next week, as the organization continues negotiations aimed at securing a sustainable future. The decision follows the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund's (PIF) declaration that its financial support will cease after the conclusion of the 2026 season, compelling the league to downsize regardless of whether any new investment deals are sealed. According to an internal memo distributed this week, the majority of employees who have been working under the current "LIV 1.0" structure will see their contracts terminated in early September.
This follows earlier warnings in July that redundancies were a distinct possibility. The communication emphasized that the cuts are a direct consequence of the impending end of PIF's funding commitment, and not a reflection of employee performance. A spokesperson for LIV Golf told Sky Sports, "The funding commitment announced by PIF earlier this year will reach its conclusion.
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 representative added that the league is grateful for the dedication of its staff and will do what it can to support those affected during the transition period. The league, which previously employed over 300 people across the globe, has not yet determined the exact staffing requirements for any future incarnation of the organization. It remains hopeful that a portion of the current workforce could be rehired if the new version of the league, often referred to as LIV 2.0, comes to fruition. The broader context of these layoffs is tied to the recent conclusion of the LIV Golf season, which ended 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. LIV Golf is reportedly in talks with a potential lead investor as well as several minority investors. However, the term sheet that would fund the next season is still non‑binding and has not been finalized.
Among the proposals under consideration is a model in which the league would be majority‑owned by its players, emphasizing "commercial discipline" and a schedule that includes five Team Championships on five different 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 described it as "a real shame" if the league were unable to continue, underscoring the emotional investment many players have in the venture. The cancellation of the Team Championship also opened the door for late entries into the Husqvarna British Masters.
English golfer Tyrrell Hatton, who entered the tournament after the cancellation, declined to speculate about his own future on the tour. In his pre‑tournament press conference, Hatton 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, he 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 future of LIV Golf remains uncertain, but the organization is actively exploring various financing structures. Some proposals envision a player‑centric ownership model, where the athletes hold a controlling stake, potentially aligning incentives and reducing reliance on external sovereign wealth funds.
Others suggest a hybrid approach that blends private equity investment with strategic partnerships in media and technology, aiming to create a more resilient revenue stream. If LIV Golf successfully secures new capital and launches a revised competition format, it could reshape the professional golf landscape by offering alternative pathways for players, new tournament locations across under‑represented regions, and innovative broadcasting arrangements. The league's emphasis on a global schedule—spanning five continents for team events—could attract new sponsors eager to reach a worldwide audience. In the meantime, the league has encouraged fans to continue following its content through existing channels.
Viewers can stream golf and related programming without a contract via the NOW platform, and Sky Sports will broadcast live coverage of the Husqvarna British Masters, starting Thursday at 12:30 pm on Sky Sports Golf. The organization also advises using the Chrome browser for an optimal video player experience. Overall, LIV Golf is navigating a period of significant transition. While staff reductions are painful, they are presented as a necessary step toward a leaner, more sustainable operation.
The leadership remains committed to exploring investment opportunities, refining the competition structure, and ultimately delivering a revitalized product that could secure the league's place in the sport for years to come.