End of the marriage between golfers and Saudi Arabia

The partnership between professional golf and Saudi Arabian funding is ending amid disputes over contracts and unfulfilled promises. LIV Golf players are claiming over $100 million from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) after it decided to withdraw financial support. The PIF had invested over $5 billion since LIV's inception in 2021 but announced it would cease funding by the end of the 2026 season. LIV is undergoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring to survive without its main backer. Players, led by Dustin Johnson, are seeking compensation for contractual payments. Meanwhile, BC Partners has pledged up to $300 million for a new version of the league, LIV 2.0. However, recent revelations about executive retention bonuses and creditor payments raise concerns about LIV's financial management. The crisis has led to the departure of key players, questioning the future of Saudi investment in international sports.