Story perspectives

LIV Golf Finale Won as Saudi Funding Ends 2026

8/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Michael La Sasso won the LIV Golf 2026 season finale in Indianapolis.
Saudi Arabia’s Investment Fund will cease LIV Golf funding in 2026, ending a $5 billion spend.
CEO Scott O’Neil outlined a 2027 schedule of five team events, five U.S. individual tournaments, and equity ownership.
He also announced an $8.4 million team bonus and a term sheet with Ted Goldthorpe.

History

Historical Context

In 2021, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund acquired English club Newcastle United for £305 million, marking its first major foray into global sports. The deal, negotiated by PIF chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan and former Newcastle chairman Mike Ashley, signaled a $5 billion commitment to high-profile football ventures. Similarly, LIV Golf’s 2026 Indianapolis finale saw Michael La Sasso triumph as the PIF announced cessation of its $5 billion LIV funding, reshaping professional golf’s financing. The withdrawal forces the 2027 schedule, outlined by CEO Scott O’Neil with an $8.4 million team bonus and Ted Goldthorpe partnership, to rely on revenue models.

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Story summary

Michael La Sasso won the LIV Golf 2026 season finale in Indianapolis.
Saudi Arabia’s Investment Fund will cease LIV Golf funding in 2026, ending a $5 billion spend.
CEO Scott O’Neil outlined a 2027 schedule of five team events, five U.S. individual tournaments, and equity ownership.
He also announced an $8.4 million team bonus and a term sheet with Ted Goldthorpe.

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