Will LIV Golf’s Funding Be Cut?

Will LIV Golf’s Funding Be Cut?

June 17, 2026

LIV Golf May Not Have Funding to Last Entire Season: Sources
Multiple sources indicate growing concern that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) could cut off financial support to LIV Golf even earlier than its planned exit at the end of the 2026 season. The league is currently navigating a seven-week summer break amid mounting uncertainty regarding the viability of its four remaining events, particularly its regular-season finale and team championship. In response to the shifting financial landscape, LIV Golf is aggressively looking for new investors, implementing strict travel cost controls, and planning a restructured "LIV 2.0" format for 2027 with reduced player purses. The instability has also impacted high-profile players, with Bryson DeChambeau's contract expiring after this season and Jon Rahm reportedly waiting for a potential contract exit route via league bankruptcy.
^{Front Office Sports}

Top HS Players Kaleena Smith, Beckham Black Sign 1st-Ever Merchandising Deals with ESPN
Five-star high school basketball prospects Kaleena Smith and Beckham Black from the class of 2027 have signed historic, first-ever merchandising deals with ESPN. Announced through the network's SportsCenter NEXT initiative, the two point guards will serve as the faces of a new merchandise collection that blends sports, youth culture, and style. Smith is currently ranked as the No. 1 overall player in her class, while Black—the younger brother of Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black—is ranked as the top point guard and No. 4 overall player. While neither athlete has made a college commitment yet, their groundbreaking collaboration with ESPN opens a brand-new avenue for rising youth athletes to build media and merchandising partnerships.
^{Bleacher Report}

Juggernaut partners Bale for new sports venture
US private equity firm Juggernaut Capital Partners has officially teamed up with global football icon Gareth Bale to launch a dedicated sports investment platform named Juggernaut Diversified Sports. The newly formed private equity vehicle is targeting more than $500 million in funding to back next-generation sports businesses. Strategically, the platform will focus on high-growth opportunities predominantly across North America and Europe, including domestic teams, leagues, international football clubs, women's sports, and youth sports. The venture beautifully merges Juggernaut’s deep operational discipline and consumer brand-building expertise with Bale’s international reach and firsthand perspective on the global sports ecosystem.  
^{Sport Business}

Fox is making so much money on World Cup hydration break commercial advertisements
Fox is capitalizing on the mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by airing full-screen commercials during the three-minute gaps. Industry estimates from Awful Announcing suggest these short ad breaks could generate roughly $250 million for the network, covering more than half of its tournament broadcast rights cost. While the frequent commercials have frustrated some viewers, the brief breaks offer a highly captive audience compared to traditional halftime slots. This lucrative advertising strategy sets Fox apart from other broadcasters like Telemundo, which has chosen to remain with the live game coverage during the breaks.
^{Yahoo Sports}

Portland’s Sports Bra bar pitching investors on expansion but losing money
The Sports Bra, a nationally acclaimed Portland sports bar dedicated exclusively to women’s sports, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to finance a national franchise expansion. However, recent securities filings reveal that the business is facing severe financial strain, suffering a near-20% revenue drop and an operating loss of over $1 million in 2025. Financial experts express concern that the company's high operational costs and lack of a proven, profitable prototype make it a highly risky venture for everyday investors. Despite these substantial doubts regarding insolvency, company leadership maintains that the current losses merely reflect the steep up-front infrastructure costs required to build a nationwide brand.
^{Oregon Live}

Angel City Football Club Names Amy Taylor as Chief Executive Officer
Angel City Football Club has officially announced the appointment of Amy Taylor as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 27, 2026. Taylor brings three decades of executive experience across sports and consumer brands, having previously served as the CEO of Zevia and the President and Chief Marketing Officer of Red Bull North America. In her new role, she will oversee all football, business, and organizational operations to help scale the club and accelerate its commercial growth. Club leadership expressed strong confidence in her purpose-driven and financially rigorous approach to continuing the team's impact both on and off the pitch.
^{Angel City}

Vikings Round Out Front Office With Two Assistant GM Hires
The Minnesota Vikings have officially rounded out their front office by hiring two new assistant general managers. General manager Nolan Teasley announced that Andrew Healy and Trent Kirchner have both formally joined the organization. Healy makes the transition to Minnesota from the research department of the Cleveland Browns, while Kirchner previously served as the vice president of player personnel for the Seattle Seahawks. The front office additions arrive at a busy time for the franchise, as the Vikings also kick off their final week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
^{Lake Area Radio}

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Pac-12 Board of Directors extends contract of Commissioner Teresa Gould
The Pac-12 Board of Directors has formally announced a contract extension for Commissioner Teresa Gould, securing her leadership through the 2030-31 season. Having taken office in March 2024 as the first female commissioner of an NCAA autonomy conference, Gould has successfully guided the league through a period of historic restructuring. Her tenure so far includes launching Pac-12 Enterprises, establishing key commercial partnerships, and securing long-term national media rights deals with CBS Sports, The CW, and USA Sports. This extension reflects the board's strong confidence in her leadership as the conference prepares to enter an exciting new era. The announcement arrives just weeks before the newly revamped, nine-member conference officially launches on July 1, 2026.
^{Pac 12}

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