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.
Culture secretary has said she is minded to intervene in the Paramount-WBD merger on public-interest grounds, triggering regulatory scrutiny by Ofcom and the CMA. A final decision has not been taken; Paramount and WBD face a response deadline, with potential timelines extending into Q3 2026.
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 faces financial uncertainty as Saudi PIF funding is reported to be winding down after this season. Executives warn remaining 2026 events could be in flux, with Bedminster deemed most likely to proceed. The tour is actively seeking new investors while exploring ways to sustain its team-based format.
The Farms Golf Club has revoked Phil Mickelson’s membership after an employee reported nonconsensual and inappropriate contact. The club conducted an independent investigation and says the action is decisive. Mickelson has not commented beyond a statement that any misunderstanding has been cleared up as he attends to a private family health matter.
The PGA Tour has unveiled a two-track, merit-based system with a Championship Series and a Challenger Series. The plan, announced ahead of the Travelers Championship, introduces promotion and relegation, a match-play format for the Tour Championship, and multi-million dollar purses across both tracks. Official rollout is set for the 2028 season.