LIV Golf secures ‘lead’ investor for player-driven future after Saudi exit

LIV Golf has moved to secure its financial future by finalizing an agreement with a lead investor, according to CEO Scott O'Neil's announcement on Wednesday. The signed agreement has received board approval, though the investor's identity and the capital amount remain undisclosed. The transaction is anticipated to close in September, marking a significant milestone for the golf league that has faced uncertainty since Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund signaled its withdrawal of support.

The PIF, which had invested approximately $5 billion since the league's 2022 launch, announced in April that funding would end by the close of 2026. This announcement prompted LIV Golf to cancel its New Orleans event in June and reportedly shelve its season-ending team championship. The league had been actively seeking between $250 million and $350 million in fresh capital to stabilize operations.

Under the new structure, players will become majority equity holders—a first among major global sports leagues. O'Neil indicated that the organization is also fielding interest from more than a dozen additional parties to serve as minority investors, creating a diversified ownership model intended to support long-term stability and growth. The framework for distributing player equity stakes has not yet been detailed.

LIV Golf is scheduled to resume competition this weekend with its New York tournament at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, beginning Thursday. The league plans to conclude its 2026 season with ten events total, split evenly between international and domestic venues.