LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil announced Wednesday that the upstart golf league has secured a lead investor to ensure its operation beyond the 2026 season, when its primary financial backer, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), is scheduled to cease funding.
The announcement aims to quell speculation about the future of the circuit, which was founded in 2022.
"LIV Golf has an agreement in place with a lead investor, signed by the investor and approved by the Board, to anchor the transaction and play a key role in supporting the path forward for the League’s next era, driven by and for the players," O'Neil stated. He added that the goal is to finalize the transaction in September.
Under the new structure, players are expected to become the majority equity holders in LIV Golf, a first for a major global sports league. Details about the investor and the specific structure of player ownership have not been disclosed.
The planned 2027 schedule includes 10 events, with five to be held in the United States and five internationally. The exact composition of participating players remains uncertain.
This development comes as uncertainty also surrounds the LIV Team Championship, scheduled for Aug. 27-30. Reports have indicated that contractors have had travel and accommodations canceled and that payments are owed, leading to speculation that the season finale may be canceled. LIV golfer Martin Kaymer recently described the team championship as "highly unlikely" to proceed.
Despite these concerns, sources indicated that LIV Golf has been engaged in positive discussions with prospective investors for what is being referred to as "LIV Golf 2.0" to secure long-term sustainability.