LIV Golf Just Had a Truly Embarrassing Day - Sports Illustrated

What the report says

Sports Illustrated reported that LIV Golf’s return from a seven-week break ahead of an event in England was overshadowed by renewed questions about the league’s future and financing. The article, published July 22, 2026, said the Saudi Public Investment Fund had decided to stop funding LIV at the end of the season, leaving the league seeking substantial new investment.

A key development cited by Sports Illustrated was the PGA Tour and DP World Tour announcing a new partnership with the Asian Tour. The article described that as a setback for LIV because LIV had worked with the Asian Tour since 2022, including through International Series events that featured some LIV players. Sports Illustrated framed the loss of that relationship as weakening LIV’s position as it looks for future backers.

The report also highlighted comments from prominent LIV players during media availability. Jon Rahm, captain of Legion XIII, was asked whether he expected to be playing LIV Golf in 2027 and said he could not share anything more at that time. Rahm also said players were in contact with LIV officials and knew “a lot” about what was happening, but that details were not for public release.

Sports Illustrated further cited remarks from Majesticks players Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter. Westwood said he felt informed and not kept in the dark, while also acknowledging uncertainty over how the process would end. Poulter said players had contacts in private equity and that LIV personnel were working hard on a “2.0” version. The broader significance is that LIV’s competitive schedule is resuming while doubts over its business model and long-term structure remain unresolved.