Most LIV Golf Employees Are Losing Their Jobs

LIV Golf's era of limitless Saudi cash is ending—and so are many of its jobs. The upstart league, bankrolled since 2022 by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, is laying off most of its staff after the fund decided to finance operations only through the 2026 season, LIV confirmed to USA Today. Employees were told their roles will end in early September as the organization "scales back operations" and promises a retooled "LIV 2.0." The cutbacks follow a halved purse at last week's Indianapolis event and the cancellation of the season-ending team championship that had been slated for Detroit.

The PIF has poured more than $5 billion into LIV, including about $100 million a month this season. CEO Scott O'Neil is shrinking the operation while seeking a new lead investor; he announced earlier this month that he had found one, but that $250 million in funding has not been finalized, ESPN reports. LIV points to rising sponsorships, growing broadcast audiences, and strong attendance—particularly at events in Australia and South Africa—as evidence it can rebound. Player Bryson DeChambeau acknowledged the headwinds but said "a lot of people" are working to keep the league viable. O'Neil has not ruled out filing for bankruptcy as part of the restructuring, per the AP.