LIV Golf secures major outside investment to guarantee future survival
LIV Golf has secured crucial backing from an unnamed lead investor to ensure the breakaway circuit’s survival beyond the current season following the withdrawal of Saudi Arabian funding.
Chief executive Scott O’Neil announced the financial lifeline on Wednesday ahead of this week’s tournament at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
The exact identity of the financial backer and the precise monetary figure remain undisclosed.
However, the organisation hopes to finalise terms in the coming weeks before officially closing the transaction in September.
Players to become majority owners
O’Neil is reportedly seeking between $250m and $300m to maintain operations.
This search for capital was triggered after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced in April that it would cease financing the venture.
The PIF had previously spent more than $5bn bankrolling the controversial tour over the past five seasons.
Under the newly proposed structure, competing golfers will become the majority equity holders in the enterprise.
The league’s chief executive highlighted that this player-owned model represents a first for a major global sports league.
“LIV Golf has an agreement in place with a lead investor, signed by the investor and approved by the board, to anchor the transaction and play a key role in supporting the path forward for the league’s next era, driven by and for the players.” Scott O’Neil
Format changes and future schedule
Alongside structural adjustments, athletes will regain their full name, image, and likeness commercial rights.
Competitors will also be granted permission to participate in other global tours, marking a significant shift from previous exclusivity constraints.
“[It] gives the League the foundation to keep growing the game worldwide. In the meantime, our focus is on delivering a great week for fans and players at Bedminster and finishing the 2026 season strong.” Scott O’Neil
Looking ahead, the circuit plans to host 10 events in 2027.
This proposed schedule features five international team “majors” alongside five “signature events” staged in the United States.
Meanwhile, two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau led a players-only meeting regarding the developments on Tuesday.
Uncertainty still surrounds the current campaign’s climax, as officials declined to confirm whether the scheduled individual and team championships will proceed in Michigan this August.