FOX News interrupted for breaking story as Saudis | Golf News

Money and funding in sports activities continuously change course before anybody totally grasps where it is heading next, and LIV Golf now faces an unsure future past 2026.

FOX News interrupted programming with host Bret Baier delivering the breaking news that LIV Golf will continue to obtain funding through the 2026 season, but included a regarding element that sources consider Saudi assist will stop after that level due to shifting priorities.

The announcement got here after LIV CEO Scott O’Neil had just assured employees and gamers in a leaked inner memo that operations are continuing at “full throttle.” That message adopted reviews of the tour closing down after Wednesday’s emergency assembly in New York City.

Baier said on FOX News: “Breaking tonight within the last hour. The LIV Golf tour is in serious trouble tonight.

“The Saudis need out. Eventually. Two sources who know the interior workings of the choice inform me the Saudis will fund LIV Golf occasions through the end of this season.

“That means the contracts, the television deal, the tournament venues remaining, all will be funded. Other decisions about unwinding LIV or merging it with other tours will follow that. But sources say the Saudi’s funding will definitely come to an end at the end of this LIV season, citing a change of priorities.”

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has already poured $5.3 billion into LIV, including a $266.6 million injection in February alone, with whole investment projected to surpass $6 billion by the end of the season. From the skin, the product seems to be operating easily for followers, with its 14-event schedule already underway and 5 tournaments wrapped up.

Elvis Smylie kicked off the 12 months with a victory in Riyadh, Anthony Kim triumphed in Adelaide, Jon Rahm claimed a win in Hong Kong, and Bryson DeChambeau has secured back-to-back victories in Singapore and South Africa.

Reports from retailers such as The Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal have indicated that the Public Investment Fund is reconsidering its long-term dedication to sports activities.

The PIF bankrolls the league and maintains partnerships with FIFA for the World Cup, as effectively as with WWE and UFC through TKO Group Holdings. Its new 2026–2030 strategy notably omits investments in leisure and sports activities, shifting focus instead toward “Travel and Entertainment.”

The PIF’s web site highlights investments in clean power, manufacturing innovation, and tourism, but makes no reference to sports activities in anyway. The fund’s major focus has pivoted toward “maximizing financial returns” across three portfolios: Vision (local financial system), Strategic (investment in ‘key’ property), and Financial (growth of national wealth).

Estimates counsel LIV Golf has already exceeded $1.1 billion in cumulative losses over three years. Player defections are also starting to undermine the model, with high-profile names such as Brooks Koepka and now Patrick Reed making their approach back to the PGA Tour.

Koepka accepted the tour’s Returning Member Program, which mandates 15 match appearances in 2026 and carries penalties, including a $5 million charitable contribution. LIV continues to project confidence publicly and has announced plans for 2027. LIV is eyeing a return to South Africa and a relocation of its Adelaide event. CEO Scott O’Neil has even signaled growth efforts aimed at attracting younger expertise and breaking into new worldwide markets.