BUSINESS

Saudi Arabia to stop funding LIV Golf at end of season

Updated April 30, 2026 at 01:24 PM

Saudi Arabia plans to withdraw its multi-billion dollar backing of LIV Golf at the end of the season, prompting a strategic overhaul of the tour. LIV announced a new independent board and is seeking replacement investors while delaying US-based events and reviewing its format and schedule.

Why It Matters

The move signals a major shift in funding and governance for LIV Golf and could affect the trajectory of the series and its players, with potential implications for Saudi investment in sport.

Timeline

16 Events

May 7, 2026: LIV Golf Virginia begins

May 7, 2026

LIV Golf Virginia at Trump National Golf Club outside Washington, DC is scheduled to begin on May 7, 2026.

PIF shifts toward sustainable investments

April 30, 2026

PIF announced a new strategy with a focus on more sustainable investments.

O'Neil: 2026 season continues as planned

April 30, 2026

LIV chief executive Scott O’Neil told players the 2026 season would continue 'as planned and uninterrupted'.

LIV tournaments planned in South Korea, Spain and Britain during the period

April 30, 2026

LIV tournaments are planned to take place in South Korea, Spain and Britain during this period.

US schedule paused; no LIV events in the US May 10–Aug 6, 2026

April 30, 2026

LIV will not hold any tournaments in the US between May 10 and August 6, 2026; the season is set to resume at Trump Bedminster on August 6.

LIV postpones June New Orleans event

April 30, 2026

LIV postponed its June event in New Orleans as part of the strategic evolution.

PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan to step down from LIV’s board (report)

April 30, 2026

Reports indicated that PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan could step down from LIV's board; Al-Rumayyan co-founded LIV in 2021 and has been its most powerful figure.

Strategic evolution announced: independent board appointed

April 30, 2026

LIV Golf announced a strategic evolution with an independent board led by Gene Davis and Jon Zinman to formalise its structure and attract long-term capital.

Mexico City LIV event referenced as most recent

April 2026

The article notes the most recent LIV event occurred in Mexico City prior to late April 2026.

Al-Hilal stake sale: 70% stake announced

April 2026

PIF announced it had sold a 70% stake in Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

February 2026 reinstatement responses

February 2026

In February 2026, Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith, and Bryson DeChambeau declined a one-time opportunity to apply for reinstatement to the PGA Tour under its Returning Member Programme; Brooks Koepka accepted the offer and paid fines reported to be around £63m.