Ian Poulter has delivered a major warning about the future of LIV Golf, admitting that the controversial breakaway league could be running out of time to secure its place beyond the 2026 season.
LIV Golf is currently facing one of the most uncertain periods in its history after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced earlier this year that it would withdraw its financial backing at the end of the season.
Since then, LIV chief executive Scott O’Neil has been working to secure fresh investment and establish a new structure that would allow the league to continue into 2027.
O’Neil has insisted that progress has been made, claiming a deal with a new investor is already in place and could be completed in September. Under the proposed “LIV Golf 2.0” model, the league could operate with fewer events and reduced prize money, while players would reportedly become majority equity holders.
But Poulter has now raised serious doubts over whether there is enough time to complete everything required.
Speaking during an appearance on Jimmy Bullard’s YouTube channel, the Englishman admitted that LIV could face a race against the clock.
“I think time might run out,” Poulter said.
He reportedly pointed to September 1 as a key deadline, stressing the scale of the financial challenge facing the league.
“There is four weeks to find $300m. That is not a lot of time considering people and contracts have got to be signed,” he added.
Poulter’s comments come at a particularly difficult moment for LIV, with further uncertainty surrounding its schedule and future events.
Reports have indicated that the league’s planned $40 million team championship in Michigan has been cancelled, while tickets for the event are no longer available online. Several LIV players have also entered the British Masters, which was scheduled to take place at the same time as LIV’s planned season finale.
The future of some of LIV’s biggest names is also becoming increasingly uncertain.
Jon Rahm has reportedly emerged as a major concern, with reports suggesting LIV officials could be resigned to losing the Spaniard. Rahm is believed to be owed more than $150 million from his original signing agreement.
A potential departure would represent another huge blow for LIV, particularly after the league spent heavily to attract some of the biggest names in professional golf.
The situation could also have consequences for Rahm’s Ryder Cup ambitions. The DP World Tour has reportedly indicated that it could return to fining and suspending players who participate in conflicting events, potentially putting Rahm back into a difficult position.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding LIV, Poulter remains proud of the league’s impact on golf.
The 50-year-old believes LIV has helped expand the sport into new markets, pointing to large crowds in countries including Australia and South Africa and events staged across Asia and Europe.
He also highlighted the league’s grassroots initiatives, arguing that LIV has helped introduce golf to thousands of children through programs connected to schools and youth development.
Poulter therefore appears comfortable with whatever happens next.
He admitted that he has options, including potentially moving to the Champions Tour, while a restructured LIV Golf would remain another possibility.
“If LIV does a 2.0, I have a choice to go and play that. It’s up in the air,” he said.
For now, the future of LIV Golf remains uncertain.
With the league facing a major funding transition, questions over player contracts and potential changes to its schedule, the next few weeks could determine whether LIV successfully enters a new era or reaches the end of its controversial run.
Poulter’s message is clear: the clock is ticking, and LIV Golf cannot afford to run out of time.