LIV Golf has announced that it will be letting go of the bulk of its workforce starting next week, while negotiations continue to secure the organization’s long‑term viability. The decision follows the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund's (PIF) declaration that its financial support will cease after the close of the 2026 season, leaving the league with no choice but to trim its headcount regardless of whether any new investment deals can be sealed. According to an internal memo delivered this week, the majority of employees who were hired under the current incarnation of the league – often referred to as LIV 1.0 – will see their contracts end in the first week of September.
The communication also reminded staff that the possibility of redundancies had been flagged as early as July, giving them some warning but still creating considerable uncertainty. The league, which once employed more than 300 people across various continents, has not yet determined the exact staffing requirements for any future version of the competition. Management remains hopeful that a restructured entity, sometimes dubbed LIV 2.0, could bring back a portion of the workforce if the new model gains traction and funding is secured.
"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 continued, "This week, we informed many of our colleagues that their employment under LIV 1.0 will end in the first week of September.
We are grateful to our employees for their hard work and dedication in building LIV Golf, and we remain committed to supporting those affected through this transition." The timing of the layoffs coincides with the abrupt end of the current season, which was cut short after the Team Championship in Michigan was cancelled. At an event in Indianapolis, chief executive Scott O'Neil expressed optimism that fresh capital could be secured, allowing the league to move forward despite the setbacks.
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 remains non‑binding and has not been finalized, leaving the league in a precarious financial position. Proposals under discussion include a structure where players hold a majority stake in the organization, coupled with a stricter focus on commercial discipline. The envisioned schedule could feature five Team Championships spread across five continents, alongside five Signature Events aligned with the major championships.
Players have voiced mixed reactions to the uncertainty. Bryson DeChambeau, speaking before the season finale, urged fans and stakeholders to give LIV Golf "one more shot and be open‑minded." Ian Poulter echoed similar sentiments, describing it as "a real shame" if the league were forced to fold.
Tyrrell Hatton, who entered the Husqvarna British Masters after the Team Championship was cancelled, 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 broader golf community is watching closely to see how the league's restructuring will affect the sport's landscape.
If LIV Golf can secure new investment and implement a sustainable business model, it could continue to challenge traditional tours and offer players alternative pathways. Conversely, failure to attract sufficient capital may lead to a contraction of the league's influence and a possible return of many of its assets to the established tours.
For fans eager to follow the ongoing developments, Sky Sports will continue to provide coverage of related events, including the Husqvarna British Masters, which will be broadcast live across four rounds starting Thursday at 12:30 pm on Sky Sports Golf. Viewers can also access Sky Sports content via the NOW streaming platform without a contract, ensuring that the sport remains accessible even as the league navigates its uncertain future.