Here’s why the golf league has faced so much backlash
The Saudi Arabian Investment Fund is cutting financial support for the LIV Golf League, according to reports from the BBC and The Wall Street Journal.
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The confirmation is expected to come on Thursday. The WSJ learned as early as Wednesday that Saudi funding will be pulled after the current season.
Later, the BBC also received the same information. According to the British broadcaster, LIV Golf will now launch a plan to find new, cash-rich investors.
Why has LIV been so controversial?
The LIV Tour has been shrouded in controversy since its launch, mainly due to its financial backing by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Critics have accused the tour of “sportswashing” – using high-profile sports events to improve the kingdom’s international reputation following widespread criticism over its human rights record.
The breakaway league also caused a major rift in the world of golf, luring top players like Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Brooks Koepka away from the established PGA Tour with eye-watering signing bonuses and record prize money. The PGA Tour responded by suspending players who joined LIV, leading to legal battles and deep divisions within the sport.
Additional criticism has focused on LIV’s team-based format and 54-hole tournaments, which many traditionalists view as a gimmicky downgrade from the classic 72-hole format. The league’s close ties to Saudi Arabia – including reported contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars – have also raised questions about athletes prioritizing financial gain over ethical concerns.
What’s next for LIV?
Rumors about the golf tour’s future began swirling earlier this month. The Financial Times was among several outlets reporting that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has adopted a new strategy – and that LIV is no longer part of its long-term plans.
In recent years, the fund has poured billions into the venture. Now, that era appears to be coming to an end.
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