LIV Golf is preparing for a potential United States bankruptcy filing at the end of its 2026 season if a search for new investors fails, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The breakaway league entered a crisis last month when Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund confirmed it was ending its $6billion investment into the circuit. Although LIV Golf has maintained a defiant front and insisted its season will continue as planned, the tour has begun putting contingency plans in place.
A bankruptcy filing is viewed as a last resort to help the tour survive the financial crisis. The league is considering moving its headquarters entirely to the United States to benefit from more favorable bankruptcy restructuring laws.
The organization is currently spread across jurisdictions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and the island of Jersey, with its ultimate controlling entity being the Riyadh-based Public Investment Fund.
Saudi Arabian Funding and Corporate Structure
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, led by Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, has pumped almost $6billion into LIV Golf since 2022, with $30m paid out in prize money for each event. According to Forbes, the tour has posted cumulative losses of more than $1.4bn since its founding in 2021.
The fund confirmed in April what had long been expected, announcing that LIV Golf was "no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF's strategy." In a statement released to Daily Mail Sport, the Public Investment Fund stated: "PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season."
The fund added: "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."
The statement continued: "LIV Golf has substantially grown the game globally through its transformational and positive impact. It has forever changed the game of golf for the better. PIF remains committed to deploying capital internationally in line with its investment strategy, including its substantial current and future investments in various sports as a priority sector."
Search for Investors and Board Restructuring
LIV Golf Chief Executive Officer Scott O'Neil was recently pictured with Eric Trump at a league event at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia. Tour bosses believe player Bryson DeChambeau will stay with the circuit as management searches for new backers.
The Daily Mail contacted LIV Golf for comment regarding the bankruptcy preparations but did not immediately receive a response.
Shortly after the announcement by the Public Investment Fund, LIV Golf 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."
LIV Golf 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."