LIV Golf Pushes 10-Event Revamp as Saudi Funding Ends After 2026

Q: With Saudi funding drying up, who is the mystery investor stepping in to save LIV Golf from financial collapse?

The investor has not been officially identified, but multiple reports point to Ted Goldthorpe of BC Partners, or more specifically BC Partners’ credit arm, as the leading backer. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil has only said that a “lead investor” has signed a term sheet approved by the board and that the deal is expected to close in September. He has not disclosed the investor’s name, the exact amount, or whether the funding is equity or debt. That leaves the rescue package unfinished, even if LIV is presenting it as the foundation for a 2027 season and beyond. Outside reporting fills in part of the gap. Bloomberg and other outlets have linked BC Partners to the talks, and later reporting from Westfield said the investor shown to players had been reported by several outlets to be Goldthorpe. Financial Times-style reporting has suggested the transaction may be structured more like a loan or credit financing than a traditional ownership investment. What is clear is that LIV has been seeking roughly $250 million to $350 million to survive after the Saudi Public Investment Fund ends support. The league’s planned reset includes about 10 events in 2027, lower purses, player equity, and permission for players to compete on other tours. So the best-supported answer is this: the “mystery investor” appears to be BC Partners, likely through Ted Goldthorpe and its credit business, but LIV itself still has not formally confirmed that identity.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Aug 19

Scott O'Neil said LIV expects to continue beyond this week’s season finale, even as the league races to complete a compressed financing transaction for 2027.
A term sheet with lead investor Ted Goldthorpe of BC Partners is signed but nonbinding, and LIV is asking players to back a leaner model with 10 events, smaller purses, equity stakes and freedom to play elsewhere.
Sunday’s finale could trigger immediate roster uncertainty because contracts for players including Bryson DeChambeau expire then; some LIV players have already entered DP World Tour events and qualifying school for 2027 status.
That search for flexibility faces resistance from the DP World Tour, which has indicated LIV players are unlikely to get 2027 releases without fines, while the Asian Tour’s new PGA Tour-DP World Tour tie-up has weakened LIV’s old pathway.
LIV is also navigating unpaid-vendor lawsuits, a halved individual purse in Indianapolis and canceled concerts, and O'Neil did not rule out bankruptcy while insisting the priority is landing new funding.