Saudi Arabia to Pull Billion-Dollar Backing From LIV Golf

LIV Golf — the Saudi-backed breakaway league that effectively fractured professional golf, triggered player suspensions, lawsuits, and a prolonged feud with the PGA Tour upon its 2022 launch — is facing its most significant crisis yet.  Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has announced it is withdrawing financial backing at the end of the 2026 season, ending a multibillion-dollar, four-year commitment to the tour it helped create. The tour is expected to announce a "new strategic plan" on Thursday, alongside new independent board members, as the organisation explores options to sell or restructure the business. Central to the shakeup is the anticipated departure of PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan from LIV's board. Al-Rumayyan co-founded the tour in 2021 and has served as its most influential figure since inception. Despite the long-term uncertainty, CEO Scott O'Neil confirmed the 2026 season will proceed as planned, with eight events still remaining. Major champions Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, and Cameron Smith are among those currently competing on the tour, with some players now reportedly exploring a return to the PGA Tour. The PIF's exit raises serious questions about LIV's viability without its founding backer and whether the tour that once threatened to reshape professional golf can survive the departure of the sovereign wealth fund that made it possible.