PIF under fire as LIV Golf funding faces a cutback and Saudi influence deepens in football via FIFA World Cup ties. Saudi’s $1T-plus sovereign wealth fund, backing mega-projects, wields global sway.
LIV Golf has faced widespread rumors that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is ending its financial support, threatening the league's future beyond 2026. Despite CEO Scott O'Neil's assurances that the 2026 season will continue uninterrupted, the league has experienced operational challenges and player uncertainty as it begins its Mexico City tournament.
Liverpool's Mo Salah has been ruled out of the final weeks of the club season due to a hamstring tear, with officials confirming he will be fit for Egypt's World Cup group stage. Jurgen Klopp’s side are pushing for a Champions League place as they navigate his absence.
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour are listening to players seeking to shift circuits, while LIV Golf faces financial turmoil and a potential wind-down. Returning pathways for ex-LIV members are under debate, with DP World Tour and PGA Tour weighing new eligibility rules amid antitrust scrutiny and ongoing restructuring efforts.
LIV Golf has announced a transition plan away from Saudi funding after the PIF ends its backing at the close of the 2026 season. A new independent board is leading a move to secure long‑term capital through diversified partners, while the tour maintains its schedule amid ongoing discussions with potential investors.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has expanded its football footprint, tying further commercial partnerships to FIFA as it suspends LIV Golf funding. The move accompanies plans for global events and fan-engagement initiatives ahead of 2034 World Cup hosting.
IMF says Saudi Arabia’s economy has shown resilience due to diversified infrastructure and rerouted oil flows, despite pressure from the Middle East conflict. Non-oil activity and exports are affected; forecasted growth adjusts as oil dynamics shift.
Saudi Arabia is expanding Riyadh Air as part of Vision 2030, aiming to turn the capital into a global aviation hub and reduce reliance on oil. The first Dreamliner deliveries have begun, with a plan to connect Riyadh to over 100 destinations and boost passenger capacity while expanding airport capacity to support this growth.
LIV Golf is navigating uncertainty as the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s funding is reported to be in flux. Executives warn that remaining 2026 events could be in flux, with Bedminster seen as the least likely to be affected. The circuit is searching for new investors while top players remain under contract.
Golf legend Phil Mickelson is at the center of allegations from Golf Digest that he engaged in nonconsensual and inappropriate contact with a club employee at The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe. The Farms has moved to ban him, citing a staff member report and a thorough independent investigation. Mickelson is away from professional golf for a private family health matter and has not commented publicly.