LIV Golf informed employees on Wednesday night (Australian time) that the company could be facing layoffs as uncertainty deepens around the league’s future, according to multiple reports.
The league is filing Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notices in the United States. A WARN notice is a legal requirement, not a definitive announcement of job cuts, but it signals that a workforce reduction is possible. The law generally requires businesses with more than 100 employees to provide 60 days’ advance notice of potential mass layoffs or plant closings. The United Kingdom has similar layoff notification requirements.
The move comes as LIV searches for outside capital after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund stopped bankrolling the venture following an investment believed to be between $US5 billion and $US8 billion. Last month, LIV leadership began pitching prospective financiers, seeking between $US250 million and $US350 million to continue operations. The league has projected profitability within three years, though doubts remain about whether it can complete its 2026 season.
LIV has already postponed one event this year, citing northern-summer heat and the FIFA World Cup. During an appearance on CNBC last month, chief executive Scott O’Neil was asked whether he could guarantee the league’s remaining events would be played. “What I can guarantee is a heck of a return if you come invest in this business,” O’Neil said.
In late April, LIV created an independent board of directors tasked with helping secure long-term financial partners. The move followed Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the PIF and the architect of LIV Golf, stepping down as chairman of the league’s board.
In a statement provided to several outlets, a LIV spokesperson said there are “no changes to LIV Golf’s current workforce, operations, or schedule at this time”.
“As our process to identify strategic investors moves forward in a positive direction, and as part of responsible planning for a range of possible outcomes, we have notified employees in the United States and United Kingdom of potential future actions related to the league’s corporate workforce,” the spokesperson said. “This step is being taken in accordance with legal obligations in each jurisdiction. We deeply appreciate our employees’ continued dedication as we work toward a strong and sustainable future for the league.”
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The financial pressure comes amid fresh legal scrutiny. Earlier this week, ESPN reported that lawyers for English companies World Golf Group and Premier Golf League are seeking damages between $US210 million and $US630 million from LIV Golf, PIF and other individuals and entities. The suit accuses them of breach of confidence and unlawful means conspiracy.
Calling LIV Golf a “bald facsimile of the PGL”, the lawsuit alleges that Premier Golf League leadership first conceived several elements now associated with LIV, including shotgun starts, 54-hole tournaments, simultaneous individual and team competitions, knockout rounds in team championships and four-player franchises led by captains. LIV expanded its tournaments to 72 holes this year.
LIV Golf’s next scheduled event is set for July 23-26 in England.
