LIV Golf faces its biggest test as funding doubts grow

LIV Golf has not been confirmed as closing, but BBC Sport reports serious doubts about its future beyond 2026 amid uncertainty over continued Saudi Public Investment Fund backing. LIV leadership has told staff the current season is continuing as planned, while unnamed European golf figures cited by the BBC believe the project may not last much longer.

The financial picture is central to the concern. The tour has received more than $5bn in investment, while BBC Sport cites losses outside the United States of $462m in 2024 and more than $1.1bn since LIV was created. LIV sources pointed to improving commercial trends and some profitable events and teams, but the figures shared were mainly percentage increases rather than full revenue totals.

If LIV’s position weakens, the next question is what happens to players such as Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Tyrrell Hatton. BBC Sport outlines different potential routes back to the PGA Tour or DP World Tour, but those paths may involve fines, suspensions or specific reinstatement conditions depending on the player.

The wider context is PIF’s reported shift toward more sustainable spending after budget pressure and geopolitical disruption. That does not prove LIV funding will be withdrawn, but it does make the tour’s long-term business model a sharper debate for golf: has LIV built enough independent value, or was its influence always tied to the scale of its backing?