Saudi PIF ends funding of LIV Golf

Sport & Story Daily May 1, 2026: The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia is ending its funding of LIV Golf.

Author

Kelsey Middleton
May 01, 2026

Saudi PIF ends funding of LIV Golf

May 1, 2026

Saudi PIF Confirms LIV Exit; League Creates New Exec Board
LIV Golf is restructuring its executive board as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund reduces its direct financial support for the league. The changes shift more operational responsibility to LIV Golf leadership while positioning the league to pursue outside investment and long‑term sustainability. The move reflects a broader recalibration by the PIF after years of heavy spending and ongoing uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf’s future amid negotiations with the PGA Tour.
Front Office Sports

Sports Streamer DAZN Makes $100 Million Bet on Technology Company ViewLift
Sports streaming company DAZN has agreed to acquire technology firm ViewLift for roughly $100 million as part of its push to expand in the U.S. sports market. The deal gives DAZN control of ViewLift’s streaming and direct‑to‑consumer technology, which is already used by professional teams and regional sports networks to distribute their own content. DAZN views the acquisition as a way to position itself as a key digital partner for leagues and franchises navigating the shift away from traditional regional sports networks.
The Wall Street Journal

NFL Draft Viewership Falls 12%, Averages 6.6M Over Three Days
NFL Draft viewership fell 12% year over year, averaging 6.6 million viewers across the three days of the event despite continued strong interest in the league. The decline was driven largely by a significant drop on Days 2 and 3, while the first round remained relatively stable compared to recent years. The numbers suggest some audience fatigue with the expanded, multi‑day draft format even as the NFL continues to dominate the broader sports media landscape.
Front Office Sports

KKR makes strategic investment to accelerate growth of MLS NEXT Pro
Global investment firm KKR has made a strategic investment in MLS NEXT Pro to support the league’s long‑term growth and stability. The partnership is intended to accelerate expansion, enhance infrastructure, and strengthen player development pathways while Major League Soccer retains operational control of the league. MLS officials said the investment positions MLS NEXT Pro for increased relevance ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the continued evolution of professional soccer in North America.
MLS Soccer

Iranian officials to miss FIFA Congress over alleged mistreatment in Canada
Iranian football officials, including federation president Mehdi Taj, turned back at Toronto’s airport and will miss the FIFA Congress in Vancouver after what they described as mistreatment by Canadian immigration officials, despite holding valid visas. Canadian authorities said the officials were denied entry due to Canada’s policy barring current or former members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which was designated a terrorist organization in 2024, though the foreign minister characterized the denial as unintentional. The incident adds diplomatic tension ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co‑hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Aljazeera

Saudi funding for LIV Golf reportedly dries up, chairman steps down
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is expected to end its financial backing of LIV Golf after the 2026 season, creating serious uncertainty about the league’s future after billions of dollars in losses. As part of that shift, LIV Golf founder and PIF governor Yasir Al‑Rumayyan has reportedly stepped down as chairman, signaling a strategic reset for the league. LIV Golf plans to pursue outside investors and restructure its leadership as it tries to survive without its primary financial backer.
WCNC

U.S. Figure Skating. Director, Content
The Director of Content will lead the strategy, development, and execution of all content for U.S. Figure Skating, driving fan engagement, athlete storytelling, and audience growth across digital, social, broadcast, and live event platforms. This role is responsible for building an always-on content ecosystem that elevates the sport, supports commercial partnerships, and enhances the fan experience. The Director will oversee content for major events, manage social and production teams, and collaborate cross-functionally to deliver high-impact storytelling and scalable content initiatives. This role requires both strategic leadership and hands-on execution in fast-paced environments. Apply Now.

Atlanta Hawks. Lead Electrician.
The Lead Electrician is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day electrical operations, maintenance, and repair of all utility components, systems, and structures at State Farm Arena. Working closely with the Senior Maintenance Manager, this role leads and delegates work to electrical staff while ensuring all preventive maintenance programs are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable codes and OSHA standards. Success in this role means a safe, fully operational facility that supports world-class guest experiences at every event. 
Apply Now.

Arizona Cardinals. Project Manager, Construction
The Construction Project Manager will oversee the design and construction of capital improvement projects at the Training Facility, State Farm Stadium and other Club controlled properties. This includes coordination with other Arizona Cardinals departments and affiliates, stadium entities, design consultants, permitting authorities and contractors in executing construction activities while advancing a culture of excellence and a positive, passionate and creative work environment.  The candidate will play a significant role in long-term planning of facility upgrades and system renovations with other Club departments, stadium entities, clients and contractors.   The Construction Project Manager will manage the development of projects from inception through completion, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. Apply Now.

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Big 12 lands private capital deal
The Big 12 has finalized a first‑of‑its‑kind, conference‑wide private capital deal, approving a five‑year strategic partnership with RedBird Capital and Weatherford Capital. The agreement provides at least $12.5 million to the league office for commercial growth while giving member schools the option to access a $30 million credit line, all without selling equity or altering conference governance. Conference leaders say the partnership is designed to boost long‑term value and strengthen the Big 12’s position ahead of its next media rights negotiations, which are set to occur later this decade.
Fighting Irish

Bevacqua Announces Departmentwide Reorganization; Names Powlus First COO
Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua announced a department‑wide reorganization aimed at better positioning the athletic department for rapid changes in college sports. As part of the restructuring, longtime football administrator Ron Powlus was named the department’s first‑ever Chief Operating Officer, expanding oversight beyond football to include internal operations, facilities, and sports performance. Bevacqua said the move is intended to streamline leadership and bring proven operational experience to the entire athletic department as it adapts to a changing landscape.
Fighting Irish

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