LIV Golf is actively seeking $300 million in new investment as the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) plans to withdraw its funding at the end of the 2026 season. The league remains more than two weeks away from returning to play after a 47-day summer break, which has been used to intensify fundraising efforts. CEO Scott O’Neil has expressed optimism that the PIF will support the remainder of the season, but he has not guaranteed that all upcoming events will proceed as scheduled. LIV is exploring various investor types, including private equity firms, family offices, and professional sports franchise owners, aiming to reshape the league's financial foundation beyond its current Saudi backing.
LIV Golf is open to selling stakes either in the entire league or individual teams. Under the original structure, the PIF owned 75% of each team, with team captains holding 25% equity, but the league is now seeking investors who could own 60% to 70% of teams, ideally from markets where the teams are based. One of the key incentives offered to potential investors is the ability to leverage LIV’s substantial net operating losses, projected to be in the billions in both the U.S. and U.K., allowing for significant tax benefits. Since its launch in 2022, the PIF’s total investment in LIV Golf is estimated to exceed $6 billion by the end of this year.
To manage the financial transition following PIF’s exit, LIV Golf has engaged multiple advisors, including restructuring experts Gene Davis and Jon Zinman, financial advisor firm AlixPartners, and investment bank Ducera Partners. The presence of restructuring specialists known for bankruptcy work has sparked speculation about the possibility of LIV pursuing a structured bankruptcy to reorganize its finances and attract new capital. This approach involves aligning creditors and presenting a viable plan to bankruptcy court, reflecting the challenging and uncertain environment LIV faces in securing fresh investment without Saudi support.
Looking ahead to 2027, LIV Golf envisions a scaled-back schedule of approximately 10 events, down from 14 in previous years, with a focus on international markets where it has been more successful, such as Australia and South Africa. Prize money at these events would be significantly reduced from the current $32.3 million per tournament to around $10 million total, pending final decisions. Player retention remains uncertain, with key figures like Bryson DeChambeau supporting the league while others, including Jon Rahm, are more circumspect. LIV is also considering cooperative efforts with national open tournaments, which could reshape its position within the broader global golf ecosystem.
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