LIV Golf Announces Mass Layoffs as Saudi Funding Ends and Plans “LIV 2.0”

In the first week of September 2026, LIV Golf told most of its U.S. and U.K. staff that their employment would end. The layoffs follow the Public Investment Fund (PIF) ending its multi-year financial commitment after the 2026 season. Leadership framed the cuts as part of a transition to a player-owned “LIV 2.0” model slated for 2027.

Embattled LIV Golf lays off majority of staff with rebel golf tour in crisis after Saudi backers cut funding

Since its 2022 launch, the league received more than $5 billion from the PIF. In April 2026 the fund announced it would cease funding at the close of the season, prompting a WARN Act notice in July. The season concluded early in Indianapolis on August 23, 2026, after the planned team championship in Michigan was cancelled. The funding gap has forced the league to seek a new lead investor and scale back operations.

Embattled LIV Golf lays off majority of staff with rebel golf tour in crisis after Saudi backers cut funding

• Funding history: $5 billion from the PIF (2022-April 2026).

Embattled LIV Golf lays off majority of staff with rebel golf tour in crisis after Saudi backers cut funding

• Staff size: Over 300 employees globally before the cuts; reductions described as “90 percent” of staff.

LIV Golf terminates majority of employees amid questions about future

• Investor target: $250-$300 million to fund the 2027 iteration.

'Finally facing mass layoffs' Saudi funding cut for LIV Golf... 'Needs 470 billion won' financial crisis

• Prize money: Indianapolis purse cut by roughly 50 percent to $10 million; champion payouts fell from $18 million to $6 million.

'Finally facing mass layoffs' Saudi funding cut for LIV Golf... 'Needs 470 billion won' financial crisis

• Player contracts: Jon Rahm remains under contract; other stars have not confirmed their future.

'Finally facing mass layoffs' Saudi funding cut for LIV Golf... 'Needs 470 billion won' financial crisis

CEO Scott O’Neil emphasized that the league is in “commercial discipline” mode and is negotiating a term sheet with a lead investor, believed to be the credit arm of BC Partners. He said the new structure will give players a majority equity stake and that a 10-event schedule (five U.S., five overseas) is planned for 2027.

The Hindu

• Investor identity: Some outlets name BC Partners’ credit arm; others cite an “unnamed investor” or “Ted Goldthorpe.”

Forbes

• Funding amount needed: Reported ranges vary between $250 million and $300 million.

'Finally facing mass layoffs' Saudi funding cut for LIV Golf... 'Needs 470 billion won' financial crisis

• Staff reduction scale: Described as “90 percent” by some sources, “the majority” by others.

LIV rocked by brutal staff cuts as fresh fears emerge over future of $300m superstar

• Future of player contracts: The status of high-profile contracts, such as Rahm’s nine-figure signing fee, remains unclear.

LIV rocked by brutal staff cuts as fresh fears emerge over future of $300m superstar

• “You have a visionary, charismatic, driven, well-connected leader, investor, businessman who answered questions with grace, shared his vision, and I think was able to convey a lot of the things that players and GMs and my colleagues wanted to hear,” — Scott O’Neil, LIV Golf CEO

LIV Golf Lays Off Majority of Staff as It Charts 2.0 Version

• “The funding commitment announced by PIF earlier this year will reach its conclusion.” — LIV Golf, official statement

UsNews and World Report

LIV Golf has set a September deadline to secure the $250-$300 million investment required for the 2027 season. The league plans to launch a 10-event schedule with equal representation in the United States and internationally, and to give players majority ownership of the new entity. No final agreement has been announced as of the August 26 2026 statement. The outcome depends on completing the lead-investor deal and retaining key players whose contracts remain unresolved.

The Hindu