LIV Golf is preparing a major capital push to keep the league afloat, turning to fresh investors after losing confidence from its Saudi Arabian founder.
The golf league plans to raise up to $250 million from new financial backers, according to reporting on its internal strategy. The move comes as the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which bankrolled the rival tour's 2022 launch with an estimated $5 billion commitment, has stepped back from active support. PIF currently controls roughly 75 percent of each team and majority ownership of the league itself.
LIV will present the fundraising plan to its roster this week, including high-profile players Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, before taking the proposal to market. Ducera Partners is handling the investment process, while two new board members and restructuring firm Alix Partners have reviewed the strategy.
The pitch to investors centers on a simple proposition: LIV can reach profitability within roughly 20 months if it secures the full $250 million. Alternatively, the league could accept as little as $150 million and bet on rising team valuations and improved media rights deals to bridge future gaps.
The Saudi connection, while essential to the league's creation, has become a liability. Potential sponsors, players, and audiences have hesitated over the association, according to league officials. A fresh ownership structure without direct Saudi involvement could broaden appeal and unlock commercial opportunities that seemed unlikely under PIF's direct control.
Currently running on remaining Saudi funds, LIV must close new investment by early October or pursue bridge financing to stay operational. The league is targeting private equity firms, family offices, and wealthy individuals as potential partners.
The timing reflects growing urgency. LIV was supposed to merge with the PGA Tour to create a unified professional golf structure, but those talks collapsed. The league has since burned through substantial capital while trying to establish itself as a legitimate competitor to the traditional tour.
Whether fresh investors will see opportunity or risk remains the critical question. The golf market has shown limited appetite for a breakaway circuit, and the sport's core audience has proven resistant to the league's aggressive spending model and Saudi backing.
Author James Rodriguez: "LIV's bet that it can rebrand itself as a legitimate American sports venture is bold, but the calendar and the balance sheet are working against them."
Comments