Beyond the Drama: Inside the Wealth and Ethics of the Saudi-Backed League’s Stars

LIV Golf, the Saudi Arabia-backed professional golf league, is facing a crisis of engagement as declining fan interest and repetitive tournament formats threaten its long-term viability, despite continued financial backing from the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund.

The league, which launched in 2022 with high-profile signings like Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, initially disrupted men’s professional golf by offering guaranteed contracts and innovative event formats designed to attract younger audiences. However, over time, the novelty has worn off, leaving spectators with what critics describe as a product lacking competitive tension and narrative depth.

As one observer noted after attending a LIV Golf event, “Once you got past the Saudi-backed league’s business drama, what you were left with was watching sensationally wealthy, morally compromised middle-aged men go to work.” This sentiment reflects growing concerns that the league prioritizes spectacle over sport, with events resembling exhibitions more than meaningful competition.

Despite these criticisms, LIV Golf continues to operate under the financial backing of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has invested over $2 billion into the league as part of a broader strategy to diversify the kingdom’s economy beyond oil. The PIF, chaired by Yasir al-Rumayyan and closely aligned with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has also invested in other global sports properties, including stakes in major soccer clubs and tennis tours.

The league’s ties to prominent political figures have further fueled controversy. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has hosted LIV Golf events at his properties, while his son-in-law Jared Kushner and former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer have been involved in advisory roles. These connections have drawn scrutiny amid allegations of sportswashing — using sports investments to improve a nation’s global image despite concerns over human rights.

Critics, including PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and prominent golfers like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, have argued that LIV Golf undermines the integrity of the sport by prioritizing financial incentives over competitive merit. Woods reportedly turned down an $800 million offer to join the league, citing loyalty to the PGA Tour and concerns about its long-term impact on golf.

In response, LIV Golf executives maintain that the league is growing the game by attracting new fans. Monica Fee, Global Head of Partnerships at LIV Golf, stated that 30% of attendees at LIV events have never attended a professional golf tournament before, suggesting success in reaching untapped audiences.

However, recent developments suggest the PIF may be reassessing its approach. In April 2026, Yasir al-Rumayyan indicated that the fund was “reviewing its investments and deals” and “reassessing its priorities” due to geopolitical tensions stemming from the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran and economic feasibility concerns. The PIF’s 2026–2030 strategy emphasizes sustained value creation, governance, and transparency — a shift that could affect future funding for LIV Golf.

While the league continues to schedule events across the United States, Europe, and Asia, questions remain about its ability to sustain viewer interest without meaningful competitive stakes or evolving storytelling. As of now, no official changes to the LIV Golf format or schedule have been announced, but industry observers warn that without innovation, the league risks becoming a financially supported sideshow rather than a legitimate rival to traditional golf circuits.