Sports
Weekend predictions: Can Arsenal hold off Man City? Will Atlético win Copa del Rey?
This weekend: Can Arsenal hold off Man City? Plus, Atlético in Copa del Rey!
ESPN News1 min read
Golf
Jon Rahm responds to claims that LIV Golf could be folding at the end of the year
TL;DR
LIV Golf is facing potential closure by the end of 2026 as the Saudi Public Investment Fund is withdrawing financial support. The league must secure new investors by year-end or cease operations.
Key points
- LIV Golf may close by the end of 2026
- Saudi Public Investment Fund is withdrawing support
- LIV Golf must find new investors by year-end
- The league is running at a significant deficit
- Future of players in LIV Golf is uncertain
Mentioned in this story
LIV GolfSaudi Public Investment Fund
Photo by David Paul Morris/Augusta National/Getty Images
It looks likely that LIV Golf will meet its demise at the end of 2026.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund, which has pumped billions of dollars into the league since mid-2021, is reportedly no longer able to justify the deficit the league is running at, and is pulling the plug.
That gives the league until the end of the year to find new investors, or call it quits on this controversial golfing enterprise. The future of the tour, and the players who play on it, is now clouded with uncertainty.
LIVâs players were in the dark about the tourâs future until it was reported publicly. And before journalists had the opportunity to ask players, their press conference was canceled due to technical difficulties.
But after LIVâs opening round in Mexico City, Jon Rahm was finally asked for his thoughts on the tourâs future.
Photo by Simon Bruty/Augusta National/Getty Images
Jon Rahm responds to reports that LIV Golf is folding
Rahm has cut a frustrated figure since arriving at Augusta National, where he finished T38. But he bounced back with a six-under start in Mexico City to bring himself to within one of the lead.
And after playing his opening round in Mexico, he was asked how the news had affected his preparation for the event.
Rahm responded, âUntil the people in charge told me whether the rumors were true or not. For me, it didnât make sense to think about it or waste time thinking about it. We were here; we knew we were going to play, so the idea was to prepare for a tournament. And thatâs it.
Q&A
Why is LIV Golf facing closure by the end of 2026?
LIV Golf is reportedly unable to sustain its financial deficit, leading the Saudi Public Investment Fund to withdraw its support.
What deadline does LIV Golf have to find new investors?
LIV Golf has until the end of 2026 to secure new investors or it will cease operations.
What are the implications for players if LIV Golf shuts down?
If LIV Golf closes, the future of its players becomes uncertain, impacting their careers and financial stability.
How much financial support has the Saudi Public Investment Fund provided to LIV Golf?
The Saudi Public Investment Fund has invested billions of dollars into LIV Golf since mid-2021.
