LIV Golf cuts majority of staff as Saudi funding faces expiration

LIV Golf has terminated the majority of its workforce, the organisation confirmed this week, as it navigates a transition period with its primary financial backer's initial commitment set to expire. The layoffs signal mounting pressure on the upstart league, which has spent heavily to attract top-ranked players since its inception in 2022.

The Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, has provided substantial capital to establish and operate the tour. However, with this funding phase drawing to a close, LIV Golf is actively pursuing alternative sources of capital to sustain operations and continue its expansion into professional golf.

The league has secured commitments from PIF for ongoing support, though the exact scale and timeline of future funding remain subject to negotiation. The staff reductions are expected to streamline operations as LIV Golf restructures ahead of its next phase of development.

LIV Golf's financial challenges underscore the competitive pressures facing the tour as it continues efforts to establish credibility within professional golf. The organisation has secured broadcast agreements and attracted marquee players through substantial contractual offers, but questions persist about long-term sustainability.