LIV Golf Star Poulter Warns Tour Could Collapse by September Deadline

The future of LIV Golf has grown increasingly uncertain following the Saudi Arabia-backed Public Investment Fund’s decision to stop funding the breakaway tour at the end of 2026. Despite early successes attracting marquee players such as Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm through lucrative contracts, the league has struggled to achieve profitability and lost momentum in recent years.

Ian Poulter, one of LIV’s original signings when he departed the PGA Tour in 2022, expressed serious doubts about the tour’s survival during a recent YouTube appearance. When asked whether LIV would continue beyond 2026, Poulter stated he believes “time might run out,” citing what he described as a critical September 1 deadline.

According to Poulter, LIV has just four weeks to secure $300 million in funding—a formidable challenge given the contractual complexities involved. He questioned whether the Saudi fund would accept allowing the current business to enter bankruptcy to facilitate a “2.0 version,” which would represent a substantial financial loss.

The situation has already prompted some player defections. Brooks Koepka rejoined the PGA Tour in 2026 under a returning member program, while Jon Rahm appears poised for an imminent exit. CEO Scott O’Neill has maintained that outside investors remain interested, though he has not disclosed the identity of a recently announced lead backer.

Poulter acknowledged the predicament facing LIV players with limited career prospects or leverage. While established names like Tyrell Hatton and Joaquin Neimann retain options with rival tours, younger and aging players may find themselves without viable alternatives if LIV dissolves.