LIV Golf now faces an uncertain future beyond 2026. Fox News interrupted its schedule with anchor Bret Baier breaking the news that LIV Golf will remain financially supported throughout the 2026 season, but delivered a stark warning that Saudi backing will cease thereafter due to a shift in priorities.

The announcement came shortly after LIV CEO Scott O'Neil had only just reassured staff and players in a leaked internal memo that operations were continuing at "full throttle." That statement followed reports of the tour facing closure after an emergency meeting in New York City on Wednesday.

Baier declared on Fox News: "Breaking tonight within the last hour. The LIV Golf tour is in serious trouble tonight."

"The Saudi's want out. Eventually. Two sources who know the inner workings of the decision tell me the Saudis will fund LIV Golf events through the end of this season.

"That means the contracts, the television deal, the tournament venues remaining, all will be funded. Other decisions about unwinding LIV or merging it with other tours will follow that.

"But sources say the Saudi's funding will definitely come to an end at the end of this LIV season, citing a change of priorities."

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Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has already invested £3.92billion into LIV, including a £196m injection in February, with total investment forecast to surpass £4.4bn by the end of the season.

On the surface, the product appears to be ticking along well, with its 14-event schedule already underway and five tournaments completed.

Elvis Smylie kicked off the year with a victory in Riyadh, Anthony Kim triumphed in Adelaide, Jon Rahm claimed the honours in Hong Kong, and Bryson DeChambeau has secured back-to-back wins in Singapore and South Africa.

However, multiple reports claim that the Public Investment Fund is reassessing its long-term dedication to sport.

The PIF bankrolls the league and holds partnerships with FIFA for the World Cup, as well as with WWE and UFC through TKO Group Holdings. Its new 2026-2030 strategy notably omits investments in leisure and sport, shifting focus instead towards "Travel and Entertainment."

The PIF's website highlights investments in clean energy, manufacturing innovation, and tourism, yet makes no reference to sport whatsoever.

The fund's primary focus has moved towards "maximising financial returns" across three portfolios: Vision (local economy), Strategic (investment in 'key' assets), and Financial (growth of national wealth).

Estimates suggest LIV Golf has already racked up losses exceeding £800m over three years. The exodus of players is also beginning to undermine the brand, with high-profile names such as Brooks Koepka and, now, Patrick Reed returning to the PGA Tour.

Koepka accepted the tour's Returning Member Programme, which demands 15 tournament appearances in 2026 and carries penalties, including a £3.6m charitable contribution. LIV continues to press ahead publicly and has unveiled its plans for 2027.

The breakaway series is hoping to make a return to South Africa and relocate its Adelaide event. Chief Executive Scott O'Neil has even hinted at ambitious expansion efforts targeting young talent and fresh international markets.

This article first appeared on Mirror US.