LIV Golf has announced that it will lay off the bulk of its personnel starting next week, while discussions remain underway to secure the organization’s long‑term viability. The Saudi‑backed Public Investment Fund (PIF) has decided to cease its financial support after the close of the 2026 season, compelling the league to downsize its staff regardless of whether any new investment deals are finalized. Earlier this week the league told "the majority of its workforce" that their contracts under the current LIV 1.0 structure will end in the first week of September. Employees had previously been warned in July that redundancies were a possibility, and the latest notice confirms that most positions will be eliminated as the organization pivots toward a new operational model.
The league, which once employed more than 300 people across the globe, has not yet determined the exact staffing requirements for any future incarnation of LIV Golf. Nonetheless, executives remain hopeful that a portion of the current team could be rehired if the proposed LIV 2.0 version materializes. "The funding commitment announced by PIF earlier this year will reach its conclusion," a LIV spokesperson told Sky Sports.
"Consequently, we are scaling back operations as we transition to the next chapter of LIV Golf and work toward making LIV 2.0 a reality." "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 for their hard work and dedication in building the league, and we remain committed to supporting those affected through this transition," the spokesperson added. The announcement comes after the 2024 season was cut short when the Team Championship in Michigan was cancelled. Chief executive Scott O'Neil, speaking at an event in Indianapolis, expressed optimism that fresh investment could be secured and that the league could move forward despite the setbacks.
LIV Golf is reportedly in talks with a potential lead investor as well as several minority investors. The term sheet that would fund the next season is currently non‑binding and has yet to be finalized.
Among the proposals being discussed is a model in which players would hold a majority ownership stake and the league would operate with heightened "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 uncertain future. Bryson DeChambeau, speaking before last week's season finale, urged fans to give LIV Golf "one more shot and be open‑minded." Ian Poulter echoed that sentiment, calling it "a real shame" if the league were to cease operations.
Englishman Tyrrell Hatton, who entered the Husqvarna British Masters after the Team Championship cancellation, declined to speculate on his own playing future. In his 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 also hinges on how it positions itself in the broader golf ecosystem. Proposals under consideration include a more player‑centric ownership structure, a tighter focus on profitability, and a global footprint that would see events staged on five different continents.
If these ideas are adopted, LIV 2.0 could present a hybrid model that blends the excitement of team‑based competition with the prestige of traditional major‑tournament formats. Meanwhile, fans can continue to follow the action on Sky Sports, which will broadcast the Husqvarna British Masters live across four rounds, beginning Thursday at 12:30 p.m.
on Sky Sports Golf. Those without a contract can also stream the coverage via the NOW platform, which offers flexible, contract‑free viewing options. In summary, LIV Golf is entering a period of significant restructuring.
The cessation of PIF funding after 2026 forces the league to reduce its staff dramatically, while negotiations with prospective investors aim to lay the groundwork for a revamped LIV 2.0. Players, staff, and supporters alike are awaiting clarity on whether the league will emerge with a leaner operation, a new ownership model, and a refreshed schedule that could reshape professional golf for years to come.