Story perspectives

Saudi to End $5 Billion LIV Golf Funding After 2026

5/2/2026

Summary

Saudi Ends Funding

Saudi Arabia confirmed it will end its US$5 billion LIV Golf funding after the 2026 season.
The Public Investment Fund, worth US$900 billion, said the pullback reflects an assessment of results.
Analysts say the decision does not indicate a broader retreat from sport, noting Saudi Arabia’s ongoing involvement.
LIV Golf, launched in 2022 with nine-figure contracts, has never secured a major broadcast deal or large fanbase, reflecting broader Saudi sports spending cuts.

Summary

Trump Wants Return

Yasir Al-Rumayyan’s resignation as LIV chairman led to Gene Davis and Jon Zinman joining an independent board.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he would love to see former LIV players back on the PGA Tour.
Brian Harman warned that defectors to LIV should face consequences before returning to the PGA Tour.
Brooks Koepka earned over $1.2 million in 2026 and faces a $50-85 million PGA penalty that includes a $5 million charitable donation.

Summary

PGA Tour Offers

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp offered a one-time, free-return deal in early 2026 to LIV defectors Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.
Only Brooks Koepka accepted, gaining a re-entry package that carries a multi-million-dollar penalty.
The Tour will not repeat the offer and will keep former LIV players suspended for at least another year.
Athletic writer Brody Miller said the policy could force lower-profile defectors into career limbo with few alternatives.

History

Historical Context

To gather the best players, the PGA Tour launched the World Golf Championships in 1999, debuting the $5 million-purse Andersen Consulting Match Play, which Jeff Maggert won. The series expanded to four events before the WGC Match Play ended in 2023. Today, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is withdrawing its LIV Golf backing, echoing the Tour’s earlier effort to curb rival leagues.

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Saudi Ends Funding

Saudi Arabia confirmed it will end its US$5 billion LIV Golf funding after the 2026 season.
The Public Investment Fund, worth US$900 billion, said the pullback reflects an assessment of results.
Analysts say the decision does not indicate a broader retreat from sport, noting Saudi Arabia’s ongoing involvement.
LIV Golf, launched in 2022 with nine-figure contracts, has never secured a major broadcast deal or large fanbase, reflecting broader Saudi sports spending cuts.

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