Saudi funding shake-up tests the reach of its sports empire

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is reportedly preparing to withdraw funding from LIV Golf, a move that could destabilize the split league and raise questions about the future of the kingdom’s broad sports investments—from Newcastle United in football to tennis, boxing, MMA, motorsport and streaming via DAZN. While PIF officials say they remain committed to sports and note its five-year plan did not explicitly mention sports, observers anticipate a shift toward domestic projects and events (like the 2034 World Cup) rather than overseas expansion, leaving LIV and other ventures facing uncertain futures.