LIV Golf executives planned to inform players and staff as early as Thursday that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund will cease funding the league after the 2026 season.

The notification comes amid earlier reports in April that the Public Investment Fund, or PIF, was on the verge of pulling support. Players and staff learned of the decision over the past two weeks, according to sources. LIV Golf, which launched in 2022 with PIF backing to challenge the PGA Tour, has burned through more than $5 billion, with projections reaching $6 billion by the end of this year. The league featured no-cut fields, shotgun starts, and team formats, attracting stars like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Phil Mickelson with lucrative contracts.

The funding cutoff aligns with PIF's new 2026-2030 strategy, approved earlier this month, which reduces international investments from 30% to 18-20% of its portfolio and prioritizes domestic projects in Saudi Arabia. LIV Golf no longer appears in PIF's Vision 2030 materials, signaling a shift away from global sports ventures. The sovereign wealth fund had injected hundreds of millions regularly, including $266.6 million earlier this year.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil acknowledged in mid-April that funding is secured only through 2026 and vowed to "work like crazy" to sustain the league. The organization plans to unveil a strategic path forward on Thursday, potentially including new board members, leadership changes, and pitches to global investors while committing to its team model. A planned June event in New Orleans was postponed, possibly shifting to fall. Eight events remain this season, starting next in Northern Virginia.

The decision raises uncertainty for players, many locked into contracts ending this year or soon after. Brooks Koepka rejoined the PGA Tour via a limited program, while Patrick Reed plans a return later this year and full membership in 2027. DeChambeau, whose deal expires after 2026, said he would find a way to stay if LIV continues. Returns to the PGA Tour face hurdles, including suspensions and case-by-case reviews, with PGA officials emphasizing accountability.

LIV Golf emerged amid failed merger talks with the PGA Tour in 2023, which collapsed under U.S. antitrust scrutiny. The league struggled for U.S. TV traction despite international appeal in places like Australia. PIF's exit leaves LIV seeking private backers to avoid folding, though sources doubt quick replacements for its scale.