LIV Golf is facing a pivotal moment as it either heads toward bankruptcy or a new business model, according to recent reports. Axios revealed that LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil is actively seeking $250 million from potential investors, promising to make the league profitable within 20 months. This marks a significant shift from his earlier prediction of profitability in 10 years, a timeline set before Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) withdrew its backing, jeopardizing the upstart rival to the PGA Tour.
Potential Relocation and Financial Struggles
Bloomberg has reported that LIV Golf could relocate its headquarters from London to the United States, where bankruptcy laws are more lenient. The organization currently operates across jurisdictions in the UK, US, and the island of Jersey, with the ultimate controlling entity being the Riyadh-based PIF. The Daily Mail has sought comment from a LIV Golf spokesperson regarding both reports. Previously, The Daily Mail's Riath Al-Samarrai provided a behind-the-scenes look at LIV Golf's future, including growing speculation that the tour could retain star player Bryson DeChambeau.
Exploring Avenues for Survival
ESPN has been informed that the tour is considering multiple strategies to stay afloat. A LIV Golf spokesperson told ESPN: 'LIV Golf is firmly focused on securing a transaction that positions the organization for the long term. As we begin presenting our go-forward business plan to prospective capital partners, we are focused on achieving a sustainable future, and there are multiple pathways under active exploration.' The spokesperson added: 'We continue to see great momentum on the course, and with support through the 2026 season and a clear plan to raise capital, leadership is focused on identifying the right long-term strategic partners who believe in our mission to grow the game of golf worldwide. These conversations are just getting underway, and as they progress, the company expects to gain further clarity around the structure and timing of a potential transaction.'
Massive Investments and Losses
Saudi's PIF has poured nearly $6 billion into LIV Golf since 2022, including $30 million in prize money per event. These lucrative paydays attracted stars like Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, and DeChambeau, who were reportedly offered nine-figure deals to defect from the PGA Tour. However, without significant returns, the fund announced in April that LIV was 'no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF's strategy.' A PIF statement released to Daily Mail Sport read: 'PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season. The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF's investment strategy. This decision has been made in light of PIF's investment priorities and current macro dynamics. The LIV Golf Board has created a committee of independent directors to evaluate strategic alternatives for its future beyond PIF's funding horizon.'
Future Prospects
According to Forbes, the tour has accumulated losses exceeding $1.4 billion since its founding in 2021. Shortly after PIF's announcement, LIV stated it was pivoting focus to 'securing long-term financial partners to support its transition from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model.' They added: 'This strategic evolution, accelerated by the league's record-breaking performance in 2026, includes the appointment of a newly established independent board led by Gene Davis and Jon Zinman, seasoned experts with proven track records of navigating complex situations and unlocking value for global organizations, to guide the league through its next phase.'
