LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil attempted to reassure his employees that “our season continues exactly as planned” in an email sent to staff members Wednesday.
Two sources briefed on both the email’s contents and its distribution verified its authenticity to The Athletic, on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
The email came after LIV Golf’s immediate and long-term future were thrown into question amid widespread news reports. Golf industry sources have told The Athletic that the Public Investment Fund, the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund that financed the upstart league, is preparing to pull its multibillion-dollar investment in LIV Golf. That uncertainty has led to an environment in which people within the sport have been scrambling to figure out their futures, both individually and for the sport.
LIV Golf’s Mexico City tournament begins at 3:15 p.m. ET on Thursday and, by all indications, is proceeding as planned.
“I want to be crystal clear: Our season continues exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle,” O’Neil said. “While the media landscape is often filled with speculation, our reality is defined by the work we do on the grass. We are heading into the heart of our 2026 schedule with the full energy of an organization that is bigger, louder, and more influential than ever before.”
The email included no mention of the PIF or LIV Golf’s plans beyond this season.
On Wednesday, the PIF announced its strategy for the next five years, signaling a shift in priorities. Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia and chairman of the PIF, approved a plan that will “focus on delivering competitive domestic ecosystems to connect sectors, unlock the full potential of strategic assets, maximize long-term returns, and continue to drive the economic transformation of Saudi Arabia and further enhance the quality of life of its citizens.” There was no mention of LIV in the news release.
The PIF has also sold a 70 percent stake in Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal to Kingdom Holding Company, the firm run by Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, the billionaire businessman and member of the Saudi royal family. Al Hilal was one of four SPL clubs owned by the PIF.
LIV Golf communications staff members have not returned repeated requests for comment.