LIV establishes new board in attempt to survive
Alan Shipnuck joins "The Rich Eisen Show" to discuss the future of LIV Golf. (1:23) With Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund pulling its funding after the 2026 season, the LIV Golf League has established a new independent board as it attempts to survive as a "diversified, multi-partner investment model," the league announced Thursday. The new board will be led by investment bankers Gene Davis and Jon Zinman, who the league said have "proven track records of navigating complex situations and unlocking value for global organizations, to guide the league through its next phase." The PIF has invested more than $5 billion into LIV Golf since its first tournament in June 2022 and was reportedly spending $100 million per month this year.
During the broadcast of a tournament in Mexico City earlier this month, LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neill said PIF has committed to keep the league going through its seven remaining tournaments this season. A LIV Golf League official told ESPN on Thursday that next week's tournament at Trump National Golf Club outside Washington, D.C., will go off as planned.
"But that's not different from any other private equity-funded business in the history of man." The news release from LIV Golf said the league is focusing on "securing long-term financial partners to support its transition from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model." Sources said the league is open to several new models, including fewer tournaments, only staging international events or a potential merger with the DP World Tour. "LIV Golf has built something truly differentiated — a global league with passionate fans, world-class talent, and demonstrated commercial momentum," said Davis, who will serve as chairman of the Independent Directors Committee.
We look forward to positioning LIV Golf for future success." The league said its revenue is up more than 100% since 2025 and that four of its events and 10 of its 13 teams will turn profits this season. Davis is the chairman and CEO of Pirinate Consulting Group, LLC, a privately held consulting firm specializing in turnaround management, merger and acquisition consulting, restructuring, and strategic advisory services for public and private business entities, as reported by LIV Golf.
Analysis: Why This Matters
Fans tracking LIV Golf will want to follow this closely; even off-field news often shapes on-field outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- A LIV Golf League official told ESPN on Thursday that next week's tournament at Trump National Golf Club outside Washington, D.C., will go off as planned.
- During the broadcast of a tournament in Mexico City earlier this month, LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neill said PIF has committed to keep the league going through its seven remaining tournaments this season.
- The league and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced Tuesday that a scheduled tournament in New Orleans had been postponed and a potential date in the fall was being considered.
Expect more reactions from coaches, players, and analysts as the story unfolds.
Source: ESPN Sports