LIV Golf expected to wind down after relaunch financing falls through

LIV Golf is expected to wind down after the prospective financier of its proposed relaunch withdrew support, BBC Sport reported on Thursday. BC Partners Credit had been considering financing for a revamped competition, but the effort failed to secure enough player commitments within the time available. An attorney acting for LIV is expected to tell a court hearing on Thursday that the proposal cannot proceed.

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The league had sought as much as $300 million from BC Partners after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing in April. LIV subsequently filed for bankruptcy protection in September. The proposed funding would have supported a new version of the competition, known as LIV 2.0, rather than a continuation under its previous financial arrangements.

According to BBC Sport, organisers of the relaunch had commitments from co-investors and roughly 30 players, including major champions. However, sources told the broadcaster that the deadlines prevented them from securing the agreements needed to move forward. LIV had faced a deadline to demonstrate sufficient player support for 2027, with a loose target for confirming its playing roster having passed on Sunday.

The uncertainty also affects Adelaide, where LIV had scheduled an event at Kooyonga Golf Club for March 18-21, 2027. South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas told ABC Adelaide on Thursday that he did not expect the tournament to take place. He linked that assessment to the failure to sign enough players and said advice would be needed on other arrangements.

The latest development follows an early finish to LIV's 2026 season, with the August tournament in Indianapolis becoming its final event. BBC Sport reported that PIF had spent more than $5 billion on the venture. Following the withdrawal of that backing, LIV established an independent board and sought replacement investment, while departures included Jon Rahm, Ian Poulter, Tyrrell Hatton and Graeme McDowell.

Players weighing participation in LIV's next season also faced restrictions elsewhere. The DP World Tour announced last month that golfers signing up for LIV's next season would not be eligible for its membership in 2027, according to the BBC. That would also rule them out of Europe's Ryder Cup team, which requires tour membership. The anticipated court announcement remains the next step in clarifying the failed relaunch's formal position.