LIV Golf Faces Uncertain Future as Saudi Funding Ends After 2026 Season

The future of the LIV Golf Tour hangs in the balance after its main financial backer, the Saudi Arabia-backed Public Investment Fund, ends funding following the 2026 season. The tour had depended on that money for its large purses and signing bonuses to attract top players.

Several players have spoken out on the financial uncertainty. Bryson DeChambeau said a return to the PGA Tour remains unclear. He added that he would turn to his YouTube career if the PGA does not welcome him back. DeChambeau insisted LIV's team model has succeeded and created value for players.

Thomas Pieters told interviewers he has no plans to rejoin the PGA Tour and hopes LIV overcomes the hurdle. His 4Aces teammate, PGA Tour winner Thomas Detry, echoed that stance on the "Beyond the Clubhouse" podcast. Detry said he is fully committed to LIV and called its format a success.

Detry closed his social media accounts amid a flood of lies, he said. He added that LIV changed his prior misconceptions. "The biggest misconception is, the product is amazing," Detry said. "I didn’t realize how good the product was. I think LIV’s an amazing product. We go all around the world, the tournaments are so good. Don’t take me wrong, there’s many things that can improve, but it’s still a start up. It’s only 4-years-old."

Players enjoy LIV, Detry said, contrary to social media claims. "You see sometimes on social media that the players hate it and want to come back and that’s not the truth," he continued. "Players really love it out here and want to make this successful. So I think that’s what I got out of my first 6 weeks."

Detry plans to stay with LIV long-term and urged roster cohesion. "I’m fully supportive of the whole thing," he said. "I think the players who stand behind the whole thing as well. But now is the time for this whole league and every player out here to show cohesion and support for this whole thing. I think now is a moment where it’s not the right time to have individualistic people and ego-centric people going their own way. I think if everyone stands for each other and we all give this thing our full support, it’s going to go a long way. I’m fully supportive of the whole thing and believe in the future of LIV."

Many expected LIV to collapse when PIF withdrawal news emerged. Players have consistently favored LIV's format over the PGA schedule, citing shorter seasons, fewer events and greater certainty before the announcement. LIV Golf Virginia continues at Trump National near Washington, D.C., with full player participation.