The US Government has requested a meeting with LIV Golf officials following rumours that the Saudi-backed league may be heading toward shutdown.
LIV Golf is going through a major period of uncertainty, with several reports suggesting the league could collapse only five years after its original plans were announced. It is believed that LIV Golf could make a “seismic” announcement in the coming months, amid concerns that the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) might withdraw its support because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
LIV Golf chief Scott O’Neil has addressed the speculation more than once, insisting that the current season will “continue exactly as planned” and later saying that funding is in place through to the end of the season.
Even so, the US government does not appear fully persuaded that LIV Golf’s long-term future is secure. Louisiana officials have now asked to speak directly with the league’s leadership.
In an email sent to LIV Golf, Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois asked for clarification about the event scheduled for later this year. LIV Golf is currently due to stage its first-ever New Orleans event from June 25–28, and Bourgeois said she wants confirmation by Monday, April 20, that the tournament will still proceed.
She said the recent reports had caused concern and added that, although LIV officials are in Mexico, she had made clear that a candid discussion about the status of the event was needed by Monday.
LIV has not yet replied to the email, but a spokesperson for Gov. Jeff Landry said they had not received any notice that LIV was folding or withdrawing.
The agreement, announced in August, stated that Bayou Oaks Golf Course at City Park would host the tournament. Louisiana also provided a $7.2 million incentive package, made up of a $5 million “hosting fee” for LIV and $2.2 million in course improvements.
If the arrangement collapses, Bourgeois and Senate President Cameron Henry said LIV would be required to repay the one-fifth portion of the $5 million hosting fee it has already been paid. Henry said there is a claw back provision in place, meaning the state could seek its money back if LIV fails.
Louisiana’s concern follows claims from golf reporter Ryan French, who said a “bombshell” announcement is expected soon and alleged that players and employees have recently gone unpaid.
During an appearance on X Spaces, French said trusted sources had told him LIV is shutting down. He added that he had heard claims that players were not paid, the power went out because a bill had not been settled, and employees also had not been paid, saying there is clearly a lot happening and that conditions are not good.
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