Saudi PIF Pulls $5 Billion From LIV Golf by 2026 as Iran War Shifts Priorities
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 12
Saudi PIF Pulls $5 Billion From LIV Golf by 2026 as Iran War Shifts Priorities
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 12
$5 billion in Saudi PIF backing will be withdrawn from LIV Golf at the end of 2026, leaving the breakaway circuit in a race to survive.
Rory McIlroy said he had heard in March and April that trouble was coming, and linked the decision to Middle East turmoil, saying the Iran war helped force a shift in Saudi priorities.
McIlroy said LIV players were blindsided and warned the episode showed the risk of building a sports venture around funding exposed to geopolitical shocks.
The fallout leaves LIV facing deep uncertainty just as McIlroy heads to the US PGA Championship at Aronimink after a light schedule since defending his Masters title.
How did a Middle East conflict trigger the potential collapse of a multi-billion-dollar American golf league?
With its Saudi funding gone, what is LIV Golf's realistic path to survival without its financial lifeline?
Will the star players who left for LIV Golf now be welcomed back to the traditional PGA Tour?