Bryson DeChambeau denies LIV Golf exit as Saudi backers withdraw $5bn

Key facts

• Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has scrapped its $5bn investment in LIV Golf, effective end of 2026 season.
• Bryson $125m contract expiring this season.
• DeChambeau reportedly sought a $500m deal to stay before funding problems emerged.
• LIV Golf appointed a new independent board led by Gene Davis and Jon Zinman to secure long-term financial partners.
• a 100% increase in revenue year over year in 2026.
• DeChambeau said LIV is building junior golf academies and planning an event in the next couple of months.

DeChambeau pushes back on return rumours

Bryson DeChambeau, the two-time US Open champion, has forcefully denied reports that he is seeking an exit from LIV Golf, the rebel league whose future has been thrown into doubt after its Saudi Arabian backers signalled a withdrawal of their multibillion-dollar sponsorship. “It’s completely untrue. I’m working as hard as I can to find a solution,” the 32-year-old American told Flushing It Golf, when asked about his immediate future. “I’m committed to making team golf work in the best way possible.”

Saudi PIF pulls $5bn, leaving LIV to seek new investors

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has decided to scrap its $5bn (£3.68bn) investment in golf, part of a broader retreat from sports sponsorship, raising the prospect that the 2026 season will be LIV’s last. The league had already announced the appointment of new board members charged with raising finance before PIF confirmed its position on Thursday. LIV Golf now faces an urgent search for fresh backers to sustain operations beyond 2026. The league’s funding crisis has cast doubt on its ability to retain star players including DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith.

New independent board tasked with securing capital

LIV Golf has established a new independent board led by Gene Davis and Jon Zinman, seasoned experts in turnaround management and strategic advisory, to guide the league through its transition from a launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model. Davis, chairman of PIRINATE Consulting Group, has overseen restructurings for Delta Airlines, Remington and Trump Resorts. Zinman, founder of JZ Advisors, brings nearly 20 years of experience in event-driven investments and board roles for companies facing transformation. “LIV Golf has built something truly differentiated – a global league with passionate fans, world-class talent, and demonstrated commercial momentum,” Davis said. “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.”

Record revenue but funding gap remains

Despite the existential threat, a 100% increase in revenue year over year in 2026, with record-breaking engagement. However, even with improved revenue streams, the league is likely nowhere near generating enough income to fund its operations at the scale of its early years. “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,” DeChambeau said after withdrawing from last month’s event in Mexico City. “I’m going to do everything in my power to make it work and I really see the value in franchise golf.”

DeChambeau’s contract talks and LIV’s junior initiative

DeChambeau’s reported $125m contract with LIV is set to expire at the end of this season. He was reportedly seeking a $500m deal to stay before the league’s funding problems became public. “We’re still working on a potential contract,” he said. “I haven’t given up on that and I think there will be a solution.” Meanwhile, LIV is pushing ahead with a junior golf initiative. “We’re building a bunch of junior golf events right now and each team is looking to build junior golf academies,” DeChambeau revealed, adding that the league has been working on the project for three to four months and expects to host an event within the next couple of months.

Uncertainty looms over LIV’s star-studded roster

The league’s ability to retain its biggest names remains an open question. Reports last week indicated DeChambeau’s representatives had started talks with the PGA Tour about a possible return, a claim he flatly denied. “I’m committed to making team golf work in the best way possible,” he insisted. With PIF’s withdrawal and no new investors yet secured, the 2026 season may prove to be LIV’s last. The league’s new board is now racing to institutionalize the organization and attract long-term capital, but the outcome is far from certain.

A test of the team golf model

LIV Golf’s conviction in the Team Golf model has never been stronger, according to the league, but the financial reality is stark. The league is leveraging its 2026 momentum to engage in discussions with prospective global investors who share its vision for an inclusive and modernized game. For now, DeChambeau remains publicly steadfast. “I just feel like I have a responsibility. I’ve put a lot of effort into it. So that’s what I’m going to do, we’re going to make this work,” he said. Whether his resolve will be enough to keep LIV afloat – and its stars from returning to the PGA Tour – will become clearer as the 2026 season unfolds.

The bottom line

• Saudi Arabia’s PIF has ended its $5bn investment in LIV Golf, threatening the league’s survival beyond 2026.
• Bryson DeChambeau denies seeking a return to the PGA Tour and says he is working to secure a new contract with LIV.
• LIV Golf has appointed a new independent board led by Gene Davis and Jon Zinman to attract long-term investors.
• a 100% revenue increase in 2026 but still faces a significant funding gap.
• LIV is developing a junior golf initiative with academies and events planned in the coming months.
• The future of LIV’s top players, including Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith, remains uncertain.