LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil has reportedly told players the 2026 season will proceed “as planned and uninterrupted” despite rumours that the breakaway tour could be close to collapse.
Reports in the Financial Times suggested that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund might end its financial backing of the tour, raising doubts about the long-term future of the competition.
However, in an internal email to staff obtained by several international media outlets, O’Neil insisted the tour remains fully operational.
“I want to be crystal clear: Our season continues exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle,” O’Neil wrote.
He added that challenges are common in start-up ventures and expressed confidence in the long-term vision of the league.
Players Back Tour’s Long-Term Vision
Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia, who captains the Fireballs team, said players had been assured earlier this year that the project would run for many years.
Garcia said Yasir Al-Rumayyan had personally told players the fund remained committed to the league.
“That is not what Yasir told us at the beginning of the year,” Garcia said. “He said he is behind us and that this project is for many years. There are always rumours.”
Sources familiar with the tour’s operations also told reporters that funding for LIV Golf is secured until at least 2032.
Heavy Losses Raise Questions
Despite those assurances, the tour’s finances have been under scrutiny. Reports revealed that LIV Golf recorded net losses of about $462m in international markets outside the United States in 2024.
Since its launch in 2021, losses are estimated to have exceeded $1.1bn. Overall investment from the Public Investment Fund has reportedly approached $5bn.
Broadcast deals have generated relatively modest returns, reportedly bringing in only around $2.7m in rights revenue.
O’Neil acknowledged earlier this year that the league may not become profitable for another five to ten years.
LIV’s Impact On Global Golf
The launch of LIV Golf in 2022 sparked major divisions within professional golf after the tour lured top players away from the PGA Tour with lucrative contracts.
Stars including Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson joined the circuit, triggering what many described as a “civil war” in the sport.
The PGA Tour and the DP World Tour later announced a framework agreement with the Public Investment Fund in 2023, though a full merger has yet to materialise.
Recent developments have also seen players such as Brooks Koepka return to the PGA Tour, further fuelling speculation about the long-term stability of the breakaway series.
For now, LIV officials insist the tour will continue as scheduled, but uncertainty remains about its future if Saudi backing were ever to be reduced.
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