public investment fund

Steady20 stories5 sourcesLast updated: 5/12/2026

Latest Stories

5/12/2026

Rory McIlroy claims he knew LIV was in trouble and breakaway tour was always a ‘risk’

LIV in race against time to survive without PIF fundingMcIlroy: ‘I was hearing about this in March, April time’Rory McIlroy has revealed he heard rumblings of impending trouble for LIV Golf weeks before the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund confirmed it would withdraw funding for the circuit. The Masters champion believes the PIF approach highlights the danger of sport becoming reliant on anything that can be affected by world affairs.LIV is engaged in a race against time to survive with the PIF, which has bestowed more than $5bn on the tour, to exit at the end of 2026. News of that, which emerged in the immediate aftermath of McIlroy’s successful defence at Augusta National last month, shocked even those within LIV but not the Northern Irishman. Continue reading...

Guardian Sport

LIV Golf and Bryson DeChambeau tee off new era but cannot escape Saudi shadow

Sports

5/7/2026

LIV Golf and Bryson DeChambeau tee off new era but cannot escape Saudi shadow

US star is still on rebel tour but the desired focus on teams is not something that is catching on with supportersMoments before Bryson DeChambeau teed off to open LIV Golf’s first American tournament of the year, at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, the public address announcer bellowed “Long! LIV! Golf!” to try and electrify a modest crowd by the first tee.The irony wasn’t lost on the devoted group who skirted work and school to enjoy a sunny afternoon just 40 miles outside Washington DC: this was the first tournament since the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund confirmed it would no longer fund the outfit that it once imagined as the world’s premier collection of professional golfers. Before that news was finalized, the league postponed a tournament scheduled to take place in New Orleans at the end of June. Continue reading...

Guardian Sport

LIV Golf begins new era after withdrawal of Saudi funding with fans still unconvinced

Sports

5/7/2026

LIV Golf begins new era after withdrawal of Saudi funding with fans still unconvinced

DeChambeau is still on rebel tour but the desired focus on teams is not something that is catching on with supportersMoments before Bryson DeChambeau teed off to open LIV Golf’s first American tournament of the year, at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, the public address announcer bellowed “Long! LIV! Golf!” to try and electrify a modest crowd by the first tee.The irony wasn’t lost on the devoted group who skirted work and school to enjoy a sunny afternoon just 40 miles outside Washington DC: this was the first tournament since the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund confirmed it would no longer fund the outfit that it once imagined as the world’s premier collection of professional golfers. Before that news was finalized, the league postponed a tournament scheduled to take place in New Orleans at the end of June. Continue reading...

Guardian Sport

After LIV Golf withdrawal, Saudi PIF confirms future fate of UFC, WWE and global boxing investments

World

5/7/2026

After LIV Golf withdrawal, Saudi PIF confirms future fate of UFC, WWE and global boxing investments

Saudi Arabia’s decision to end funding for LIV Golf after 2026 has sparked wider scrutiny of its global sports spending. However, TKO Group executives insist Saudi backing for UFC, WWE and boxing remains secure, with planned events in the Middle East continuing. The move reflects a possible strategic shift within the Public Investment Fund amid rising costs and changing priorities.

TOI World

Bryson DeChambeau to concentrate on his YouTube channel if LIV Golf collapses

Sports

5/6/2026

Bryson DeChambeau to concentrate on his YouTube channel if LIV Golf collapses

Circuit’s future is uncertain after Saudi withdrawalTwo-time major champion also criticizes PGA TourBryson DeChambeau insists he would focus on his YouTube channel should LIV Golf not survive.The future of the Saudi-backed breakaway remains in doubt after the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced plans to withdraw financing at the end of the year, having spent more than $5.4bn on the venture since 2022. Continue reading...

Guardian Sport

Jon Rahm doesn’t see ‘many ways out’ of lucrative multi-year LIV Golf contract

Sports

5/6/2026

Jon Rahm doesn’t see ‘many ways out’ of lucrative multi-year LIV Golf contract

Two-time major champion Jon Rahm revealed he has several years remaining on his LIV Golf contract and doesn’t “see many ways out” after agreeing to a new deal that allows him to play on the DP World Tour. The 31-year-old Spaniard, a former world number one, spoke Tuesday ahead of this week’s LIV Golf Virginia event at Trump National Washington. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which had promised long-term support for the series, said last week it will pull funding after the 2026...

SCMP Sport

Jon Rahm free for 2027 Ryder Cup after striking deal with DP World Tour

Sports

5/5/2026

Jon Rahm free for 2027 Ryder Cup after striking deal with DP World Tour

Spaniard will pay fines for previous event clashesDeal includes playing in agreed tournaments this yearJon Rahm has revealed he has ended his dispute with the DP World Tour, which returns the Spaniard to contention for next year’s Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, but he played down the sense of golfers sharply exiting LIV. Rahm, who has been tipped to make a return to the PGA Tour, has cited tight contractual terms as a reason he and others are not completely in control of their own destiny.The abrupt exit of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) abrupt exit from LIV – the Saudis will remove finance at the end of this year – has left the tour scrambling for alternative investment. Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are LIV’s biggest names, whom many assumed would already be glancing towards a playing future elsewhere. Rahm urged caution. Continue reading...

Guardian Sport

Ronaldo on brink of first Al-Nassr trophy as Saudi title race turns controversial

Developing

Sports·5/4/2026AI summary

Ronaldo on brink of first Al-Nassr trophy as Saudi title race turns controversial

Cristiano Ronaldo is close to winning his first trophy with Al-Nassr since joining in December 2022, with his side five points clear of rivals Al-Hilal with three games remaining. The title race has been marred by controversy, with Al-Ahli players Ivan Toney and Galeno fined after alleging referee bias favoring Al-Nassr. Ronaldo himself criticized the league, promising to speak at season's end after seeing 'many bad things'. PIF recently sold 70% of Al-Hilal to Kingdom Holding Company, while Al-Nassr suffered a 3-1 loss to Al-Qadsiah ending a 20-game winning streak.

Guardian Sport

Newcastle United Secure Vital Win Over Brighton to End Losing Streak

Sports

5/2/2026AI summary

Newcastle United Secure Vital Win Over Brighton to End Losing Streak

Newcastle United ended a five-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over Brighton at St James' Park. Goals from Will Osula, Dan Burn, and Harvey Barnes provided a crucial win for manager Eddie Howe in front of the club's Saudi owners.

Guardian Sport

LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau denies ‘completely untrue’ PGA Tour talks claim

Sports

5/2/2026

LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau denies ‘completely untrue’ PGA Tour talks claim

Former major winner ‘committed to making team golf work’Rebel tour now working on a junior golf initiative, he saysBryson DeChambeau, the two times US Open champion, has denied reports he is seeking a way out of the beleaguered LIV Golf, the rebel series whose future looks bleak after Saudi Arabian backers indicated they are pulling their multibillion-dollar sponsorship at the end of the 2026 season.LIV Golf is seeking to secure fresh backers in the wake of the decision by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to scrap its $5bn (£3.68bn) investment in golf, as part of a general retreat from sports sponsorship. There is every prospect the 2026 season will prove LIV’s last. Continue reading...

Guardian Sport

Trump Backs Return of LIV Golf Players to PGA Tour After Saudi Funding Withdrawal

Developing

Sports·5/1/2026AI summary

Trump Backs Return of LIV Golf Players to PGA Tour After Saudi Funding Withdrawal

Donald Trump has expressed support for LIV Golf players returning to the PGA Tour following the league's announcement that Saudi Public Investment Fund funding is being withdrawn. Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump said he wants to see top golfers competing against each other, naming Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler. LIV Golf has postponed its June tournament in New Orleans, with its next event scheduled for May 7-10 at Trump National in suburban Washington. PGA Tour loyalists including Brian Harman said returning LIV players should face consequences, while Jordan Spieth said he was glad not to be involved in decisions about their return.

Guardian Sport

Is this the end for LIV? Where does Saudi withdrawal leave golf and the players?

Sports

4/30/2026

Is this the end for LIV? Where does Saudi withdrawal leave golf and the players?

Can LIV find new backers and what are the options for Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Lee Westwood and others?Confirmation that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund will cease funding the LIV Golf tour will have huge ramifications, for the future of the tour itself, the players and across golf’s traditional heartlands. Where does PIF’s withdrawal leave them all? Continue reading...

Guardian Sport

LIV Golf races against time for investment with confirmation Saudi funding will end in 2026

Sports

4/30/2026

LIV Golf races against time for investment with confirmation Saudi funding will end in 2026

PIF ends investment after five years and $5bnLIV announces new independent board in funding pushLIV Golf has launched its search for fresh investment in a race against time to save its future after official confirmation Saudi funding would cease at the end of the 2026 season.Hours after LIV announced the creation of a new independent board minus Yasir al-Rumayyan, the governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, a PIF statement formally substantiated the rumours that it was pulling the plug on the start-up after around $5bn (£3.7bn) of investment. Continue reading...

Guardian Sport

LIV Golf Seeks New Investment as Saudi PIF Funding Set to End in 2026

Developing

Sports·4/30/2026AI summary

LIV Golf Seeks New Investment as Saudi PIF Funding Set to End in 2026

LIV Golf has announced plans to seek new investment after confirming Saudi Public Investment Fund backing will end after the 2026 season. The breakaway golf league, which has received approximately $5bn from PIF since 2022, unveiled a new independent board led by Gene Davis and Jon Zinman, with Yasir al-Rumayyan stepping down. The tour stated it will transition from its foundational launch phase to a diversified multi-partner investment model, expressing confidence in securing sponsors to continue operations.

Guardian Sport

LIV Golf Establishes New Independent Board After PIF Pulls Funding

Urgent

Business·4/30/2026AI summary

LIV Golf Establishes New Independent Board After PIF Pulls Funding

LIV Golf announced the establishment of a new independent board led by investment bankers Gene Davis and Jon Zinman after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund confirmed it will pull funding after the 2026 season. The PIF has invested over $5 billion since 2022 and was spending $100 million monthly. The league, which reports 100% revenue growth since 2025, is seeking long-term financial partners and considering models including fewer tournaments, international events, or a potential merger with the DP World Tour.

ESPN

NEWS

4/30/2026

SA premier defends course development despite LIV Golf doubts

Peter Malinauskas compares spending $45 million to redevelop the North Adelaide golf course to similar funding for the AFL to play in the Barossa Valley, as media reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is preparing to pull financial support for LIV Golf.

ABC Business

LIV Golf Postpones New Orleans Tournament as Saudi Funding Question Looms

Developing

Sports·4/28/2026AI summary

LIV Golf Postpones New Orleans Tournament as Saudi Funding Question Looms

LIV Golf's New Orleans tournament scheduled for June 25-28 at Bayou Oaks at City Park will be postponed, sources told ESPN. The league is working with Louisiana officials to reschedule to fall, citing heat, course conditions and World Cup conflicts. The move comes after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund pulled its funding commitment beyond this season. Louisiana had spent $2 million on course improvements and agreed to return $1.2 million already received.

ESPN

Eddie Howe faces 'stressful' summit with Saudi owners amid Newcastle's slump

Urgent

Sports·4/28/2026AI summary

Eddie Howe faces 'stressful' summit with Saudi owners amid Newcastle's slump

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is set for a 'stressful' meeting with the club's Saudi owners, including Yasir al-Rumayyan, to discuss the team's poor form. Howe faces scrutiny over player selection, tactics, and team morale as Newcastle struggles in the league.

Guardian Sport

DeChambeau Commits to LIV Golf Amid Funding Uncertainty

Developing

Sports·4/23/2026AI summary

DeChambeau Commits to LIV Golf Amid Funding Uncertainty

Bryson DeChambeau has addressed speculation about his LIV Golf future, telling Flushing It Golf he is working on a potential contract extension and committed to the league as long as it continues. The American golfer is in the final season of his original LIV Golf deal amid questions about the circuit's future following reports that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may be ending its financial support. LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has stated the league is financed through 2026 and will not fold.

SCMP Sport

Eddie Howe to face questions from Newcastle's Saudi owners over poor form

Developing

Sports·4/21/2026AI summary

Eddie Howe to face questions from Newcastle's Saudi owners over poor form

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe will meet with the club's Saudi Arabian owners next week to discuss the team's poor form, which has seen them win only three of 11 Premier League games. The delegation, led by PIF chair Yasir al-Rumayyan, will quiz Howe face-to-face despite the team sitting 14th. Topics include summer recruitment plans, a new training ground, and stadium options. Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in Anthony Gordon for around £75m, with Newcastle also considering offers for Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali to avoid European spending rule fines.

Guardian Sport