Story perspectives

LIV Golf Faces Funding Cut, Targets $1B Valuations

5/5/2026

Summary

Scott O’Neil: Funding End

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund will stop funding after the 2026 season and that the league’s 13 teams, main asset, aim for $1 billion valuations.
Purses stay at $20 million for the individual title (plus $3 million bonus) and $10 million for team, with the next tournament scheduled in Korea on May 28-31.
O’Neil warned that exits like Brooks Koepka’s PGA return and Patrick Reed’s suspension could hurt the league.

Summary

Pieters Retires

Thomas Pieters, Belgian 4Aces GC member, said he will retire Monday if LIV Golf ends after the Saudi Public Investment Fund withdrew funding.
He will never return to the PGA Tour, noting the atmosphere in Mexico felt grim when the funding news broke.
He compared a possible $5 million LIV salary with a $3 million DP World Tour offer, noting home proximity could shape his next move, perhaps the European Tour.

History

Historical Context

Founded in 1971, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund first entered global sport by sponsoring Saudia-Williams in 1977. The 2010s saw Vision 2030 accelerate spending, culminating in high-profile deals such as the 2021 £300 million Newcastle United takeover and the 2023 Saudi Grand Prix. Anticipated cuts to PIF sports funding now threaten emerging leagues.

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Scott O’Neil: Funding End

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund will stop funding after the 2026 season and that the league’s 13 teams, main asset, aim for $1 billion valuations.
Purses stay at $20 million for the individual title (plus $3 million bonus) and $10 million for team, with the next tournament scheduled in Korea on May 28-31.
O’Neil warned that exits like Brooks Koepka’s PGA return and Patrick Reed’s suspension could hurt the league.

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