LIV Golf Denies Collapse Rumors as Saudi Funding Questions Intensify Ahead of Mexico City Event

Posted : 16 April 2026

LIV Golf has moved to calm growing speculation about its financial stability, assuring players and staff that operations remain fully funded and on track. The reassurance comes amid widespread reports suggesting that Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund could be reconsidering its long-term backing of the breakaway tour.

Since its launch in 2022, LIV Golf has sharply divided the sport, drawing several high-profile players away from the PGA Tour and DP World Tour with lucrative contracts. However, questions have intensified over the sustainability of the project, which reports estimate has already cost more than $5 billion.

Tension escalated this week after major international outlets, including the Financial Times, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal, cited unnamed sources claiming that a potential withdrawal of Saudi financial support may be nearing. The reports coincided with a broader restructuring strategy announced by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which is reportedly reassessing global investments amid economic and geopolitical pressures.

In response, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil sent a strongly worded message to staff and players, insisting the season would continue “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” The tour also maintained its public schedule, releasing tee times for its Mexico City event and projecting a business-as-usual stance on social media, even playfully dismissing the speculation.

Despite the reassurance, some reports suggest internal discussions have taken place among LIV executives in New York regarding the potential impact of a funding shift. Meanwhile, sources close to the organisation maintain that operations are stable, pointing to rising revenues and record attendance figures in recent events across Australia and South Africa.

The uncertainty comes at a time when Saudi Arabia faces broader economic and regional challenges, including fluctuating oil prices and heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. These pressures have raised questions about the long-term scale of high-cost international sports investments.

There are also signs of movement within LIV’s player roster, with reports that notable figures such as Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed have explored returns to the PGA Tour, further fuelling speculation about the tour’s future stability.

In Mexico City, players appeared focused on competition. Sergio Garcia noted that golfers have not received any recent updates regarding funding concerns, recalling earlier assurances from Saudi officials about the long-term nature of the project.

While LIV leadership did not directly refute reports of a possible restructuring, O’Neil framed the situation as part of the challenges inherent in building a disruptive sports venture. He emphasised resilience, describing LIV as a “pioneering” movement aimed at reshaping professional golf despite ongoing external pressure.

LIV Golf Denies Collapse Rumors as Saudi Funding Questions Intensify Ahead of Mexico City Event

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics