LIV Golf Seeks One More Shot Amid Funding Turmoil

LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed breakaway tour, faces a funding shortfall after the Public Investment Fund announced it will cease financing the league after the current season. The league has already canceled two events, including a $40 million team championship in Michigan, and is sued by vendors over unpaid fees. CEO Scott O'Neil has outlined a revised 10-event schedule (five international, five U.S.) that would incorporate player equity, but the league’s future hinges on securing a new investor.

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Launched in 2022 with Saudi backing, LIV Golf has struggled to secure long-term TV deals and broad fan support. In April the fund’s withdrawal prompted the Michigan cancellation and a $1.23 million claim by Fresh Tape Media. O'Neil disclosed a term sheet with BC Partners’ Ted Goldthorpe, though the agreement remains unfinalized. Player commitments are now viewed as essential to unlocking the pending investment.

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• Revised schedule: 10 events (5 overseas, 5 domestic).

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• Canceled events: 2, including the $40 million Michigan team championship.

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• Legal claim: $1.23 million plus interest filed by Fresh Tape Media.

Heavy

Bryson DeChambeau, after shooting a 65 in the opening round, called for the golf world to be “open-minded” and hoped LIV “gets one more shot.” Dean Burmester described recent months as “uncertain,” noting players need freedom to decide their futures. O'Neil warned the new investor deal is “very complex” and must be delivered quickly.

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Rory McIlroy, a vocal opponent, questioned whether LIV players have added value, stating, “I would argue, have they brought value to LIV?” He warned a return to the PGA Tour would be “a tough road back.”

'Typical of Rory' - Lee Westwood hits back at McIlroy comments about LIV players Lee Westwood hits back at Rory McIlroy's 'typical' comments questioning the value of LIV Golf players to PGA Tour Bleacher Report

Lee Westwood rebuked McIlroy, asserting that many LIV players “bring value to tournaments” and citing sponsor invitations as evidence of their appeal.

'Typical of Rory' - Lee Westwood hits back at McIlroy comments about LIV players

• Investor finalization: O'Neil confirmed a term sheet but gave no closing date.

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• Player roster: Dean Burmester and Brendan Steele have pledged continued involvement; stars such as Jon Rahm and Joaquín Niemann have remained silent.

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• Tour eligibility: The DP World Tour indicated conditional releases for LIV players in 2027 are “highly unlikely,” creating uncertainty about cross-tour participation.

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• “I hope people can see that we actually bring value to the game of golf,” — Bryson DeChambeau

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• “Golf certainly doesn't need another five years of fighting,” — Scott O'Neil

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• “I would argue, have they brought value to LIV?” — Rory McIlroy

Lee Westwood hits back at Rory McIlroy's 'typical' comments questioning the value of LIV Golf players to PGA Tour

O'Neil said the new investor term sheet is still under negotiation, with a “very compressed timeline” to finalize funding before the end of the 2026 season. The league’s ability to host its revised 10-event schedule and retain player commitments will determine whether LIV Golf secures the “one more shot” it seeks.

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