Several leading golfers on the LIV Tour are facing an uncertain future beyond 2026, as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is expected to end its backing. Insiders suggest the PIF may invoke force majeure to exit contracts after this year, citing the financial impact of the Middle East crisis. Each LIV event currently carries a $30m prize fund, and without alternative funding the circuit’s outlook is bleak.
Concern has spread among players and staff, despite assurances from LIV chief executive Scott O’Neil. In a bulletin to staff, O’Neil insisted the 2026 season would continue as planned, but made no commitments beyond this year. The PIF has reportedly spent over $5bn on LIV since its launch in 2021, and Saudi Arabia appears to be shifting focus to other sporting projects.
While stars such as Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm may find a pathway back to the PGA Tour, others face a more uncertain limbo. Some players, like Phil Mickelson, effectively declared war on the PGA Tour when they joined LIV, making a return difficult. The DP World Tour could be a potential destination, but its renegotiated alliance with the PGA Tour complicates matters.
The Ladies European Tour also stands to be affected, as the PIF Saudi Ladies International and Aramco-backed events could lose funding. The broader golf landscape may see further disruption if the Saudi pivot continues.
