LIV Golf breakaway league may wind down as potential financial backers withdraw support

LIV 2.0 plan stalls

BC Partners had considered backing a new version of LIV Golf, but the proposal failed to attract enough players. Sources said the timelines became impossible to meet and the necessary agreements were not secured. Malinauskas said BC Partners had reached the same conclusion as South Australia: without players signing up, the event would not proceed.

Funding search follows PIF exit

LIV Golf began in 2021, with its first season held the following year. The league became a major source of upheaval in golf and drew players including Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau with large contracts and prize money.

The Public Investment Fund had spent more than $5bn (£3.7bn) on the competition before announcing in April that it was withdrawing funding. LIV then described a strategic evolution, established an independent board and sought replacement investors.

Players face uncertain future

A loose deadline for LIV to confirm its 2027 players was set for last Sunday. Its passing appears to have brought the funding and player recruitment effort closer to an end.

The DP World-sponsored European tour announced last month that players who join LIV next season would not be eligible for European tour membership in 2027. Lee Westwood, an early high-profile LIV recruit, said the proposed revamp could succeed, but said no agreeable plan had been presented to him.