LIV Golf, the controversial upstart that burst onto the golf scene in 2022 with billions of dollars in Saudi backing and a globe-spanning team tournament format, is now, according to The Wall Street Journal, expected to die quietly in a New Jersey bankruptcy court.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) initially helped LIV attract many of the game’s highest-profile players, pouring $5 billion into the league. But after PIF withdrew its backing earlier this year, LIV was left scrambling to find a way to stay afloat in 2027, with CEO Scott O’Neil pitching investors on plans to turn things around. Two tournaments were ultimately canceled before LIV filed for bankruptcy in September, following the conclusion of its season.
Then British investment firm BC Partners stepped in with a preliminary agreement to provide $300 million in financing. But without sufficient player commitments, BC Partners withdrew its proposed funding, seemingly sealing the league’s fate.
A number of players, including Spain’s Jon Rahm, publicly indicated they wouldn’t continue with what was being dubbed “LIV 2.0.” Reportedly, even Bryson DeChambeau, LIV’s most popular player, had yet to sign on. According to the Journal, “barring a major last-minute surprise, the league will wind down through its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and go through liquidation.”
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