LIV Golf spent $5 billion trying to change professional golf. Now many staff members are receiving termination notices, bankruptcy paperwork is being prepared, and some players are being offered ownership shares instead of the guaranteed money in their contracts. The problems that many expected are now affecting the league’s daily operations.

Flushing It Golf reported on Monday, August 4, that emails were sent to many LIV staff members and contractors giving them 30 days’ notice that their jobs would end in early September, according to the outlet’s post on X.

A player meeting has also been scheduled at Trump National Bedminster. So far, no investment deal has been officially confirmed.

The outlet also reported on July 31 that multiple LIV insiders expect the company to file for bankruptcy in the coming weeks to restructure contracts and address its extensive debt burden. Players with outstanding contract payments, whether multi-year or rolling, have already been approached with equity offers, per Flushing It Golf on X.

The backdrop is well established. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund announced earlier this year it would withdraw its backing of LIV after the 2026 season. The PIF is believed to have invested between $5 billion and $8 billion into the league since its launch in 2022. LIV has since been seeking between $250 million and $350 million from outside investors to continue operations.

Before sending the termination notices, LIV filed a legal notice under the United States' WARN Act. Companies with more than 100 employees must file this notice before possible large-scale layoffs. Similar rules also exist in the United Kingdom. LIV has offices in New York and London and has more than 300 employees around the world.

In a statement issued to media, 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."

A New LIV Deal on the Table, but Bankruptcy Still in the Frame

Forbes reported on July 31 that LIV CEO Scott O’Neil is close to finalizing a deal that could keep the league running until at least 2027. The deal would also help fund a smaller version of the league called “LIV 2.0. LIV believes it could become profitable within the next three years.

The bankruptcy option has not been taken off the table. LIV is currently running on loans for the rest of 2026. An additional lawsuit filed by English companies World Golf Group and Premier Golf League is seeking damages between $210 million and $630 million from LIV, PIF and associated parties.

LIV has four events left on its 2026 schedule. The player meeting at Bedminster on Tuesday is expected to address what comes next.

What do you think? Can LIV Golf survive beyond 2026? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Sneha Abraham