LIV Golf could axe trademark feature amid funding | Sports News

LIV Golf seems set to get rid of one other hallmark of its distinctive format in a bid to cut prices, simply months after making the change from 54 to 72 holes at the beginning of the season.

The Saudi-backed league is dealing with a potential shutdown after the PIF introduced it could pull its funding following the 2026 season. The PIF has reportedly but to pay for the ultimate two occasions on LIV’s schedule, as CEO Scott O’Neil frantically searches for various investment.

At the outset of the 2026 season, LIV Golf overhauled its format from 54 holes to 72, successfully undermining the which means behind the title LIV, which interprets to ’54’ in Roman numerals. Now, in a additional cost-cutting transfer, the league could also be trying to abandon its trademark shotgun begin format. It comes as Phil Mickelson kicked out of golf membership after inappropriate conduct allegations.

The shotgun begin sees all gamers tee off concurrently on totally different holes throughout the course. Most skilled golf tournaments, together with these on the PGA Tour, usually ship gamers via tees 1 and 10 at staggered intervals all through the day, guaranteeing play wraps up earlier than dusk.

Veteran golf journalist Bob Harig studies that the shotgun begin is each prohibitively costly and logistically difficult from a broadcasting standpoint.

“According to sources familiar with how LIV operates, its budget for TV production last year was in the neighborhood of $85 to $90 million for the 14-event schedule, which doesn’t include the salaries of the on-air talent,” Harig wrote.

“That works out to approximately $6 million per event, or roughly double what it costs to produce a PGA Tour event. And the PGA Tour has media rights deals and sponsorship arrangements that help the various networks cover those costs.

“LIV, of course, is doing all this on its own and with out the sturdy TV rights and sponsorship charges to cowl the prices. Although the league has reported year-over-year will increase in each areas and has seen optimistic response in a handful of its worldwide markets, such features have been considered within the greater image of the Saudi Arabia benefactor.”

The league is grappling with enormous uncertainty, and Rahm’s future hangs in the balance as LIV Golf searches for potential investors, with the remainder of this season far from guaranteed. CEO Scott O’Neil told CNBC: “What I can guarantee is a heck of a return for those who come invest on this business.”

Just days ago, O’Neil stated he must trust that the PIF will honor their commitment, as funds are directed toward employees, tournament operations, and some of the world’s elite players.

“I can say they have been terrific companions to date,” O’Neil told CNBC. “And you must take an unbelievable group like PIF at their phrase. They’ve been very public about funding us via the season, so we’re full steam forward. The gamers are locked in. The management group is locked in.”

O’Neil revealed to CNBC that he had held five meetings with prospective investors that week, with 18 more already lined up. O’Neil stated: “We have unbelievable business momentum,” before adding, “What we do not have is a lot of time. So we’re very urgently on the market speaking to those that have an interest. We just like the pool, however now we have to get this performed via the summer time.”