LIV Golf doubles down on team model as new direction announced, PIF confirm funding to end after 2026 season

The announcement comes after widespread media reports claiming PIF would withdraw financial backing, although LIV Golf insists this has long been understood internally.

"PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season," PIF told Sky News on Wednesday.

"The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF’s investment strategy. LIV Golf has substantially grown the game globally through its transformational and positive impact. It has forever changed the game of golf for the better."

Sources told TNT Sports that players and staff were informed weeks ago, with leadership reiterating the update during a captains' call on Wednesday as part of a broader strategy reset.

Central to that reset is a move to "double down" on LIV's team model, with the league accelerating plans to develop and sell stakes in its 13 franchises – a structure likened to Formula 1's team-based setup.

LIV Golf currently operates with 13 teams across a 14-event calendar but that format could evolve. For example, scenarios including a reduced schedule or a wholly international schedule are under consideration as part of a more streamlined, commercially focused model.

The league’s long-term ambition remains to build "13 billion-dollar franchises" with discussions around team investment having gathered pace since the start of the year. Multiple teams are already understood to be in talks with prospective investors.

There are also early explorations into how franchises could expand beyond competition – from owning or operating golf courses and academies to developing media, retail and licensing arms, mirroring established models in global team sports.

Recent events have underlined the potential of that approach. LIV points to record-breaking attendances driven by nationally aligned teams. 

More than 115,000 fans turned out in Adelaide – the highest-ever crowd for a golf event in Australia – fuelled by the all-Australian Ripper GC line-up. In South Africa, the all-South African Southern Guards GC helped draw over 100,000 spectators, also a national record.

Those gains form part of wider commercial momentum. LIV says it is tracking significantly ahead of last year's figures in 2026, with sponsorship revenue up around 40% year-on-year and ticket sales rising by more than 100%, alongside continued growth across broadcast and digital audiences. 

The league's roster – featuring major winners such as Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, alongside rising talent including Tom McKibbin, Joaquin Niemann, Elvis Smylie, David Puig and Josele Ballester – remain central to that pitch, with players increasingly vocal about the long-term team vision.

Speaking after LIV Golf Mexico earlier this month, two-time US Open champion DeChambeau said: "There's a lot of moving parts like in any business. It's a startup, right? And so there's going to be times where we're squeezed and punched. This is one of those moments. But I'm going to do everything in my power to make it work and I really see the value in franchise golf."

"There’s so much value to squeeze out of this whole thing for golf in general."

LIV Golf also confirmed the appointment of a newly-established independent board, led by Gene Davis and Jon Zinman.

Notably, it has been reported that PIF governor and LIV chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan will no longer sit on the board – a change that formalises the league's transition away from its original funding model and towards a broader investor base.

"LIV Golf has built something truly differentiated – a global league with passionate fans, world-class talent, and demonstrated commercial momentum," said Davis.

"The executive leadership team, along with Jon and I, see a clear opportunity to help the league formalize its structure, attract and secure long-term capital, and position the business for growth while continuing to promote the game across the world."

CEO Scott O’Neil struck a similarly bullish tone, saying recently the league had "never been in a better position" as it explores new investment pathways.

The league is now actively seeking new long-term partners as it transitions from a single-source funding model to what it describes as a "diversified, multi-partner investment structure."