Business of Sports

Saudis Are Winners Even If LIV Golf Fails After Burning Billions

Saudi Arabia has spent billions on athletics with mixed results, but the overall strategy has worked with the country becoming a destination for big sporting events.

LIV Golf is facing a potential financial reckoning.
Photographer: Hector Vivas/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Giles Turner, Ira Boudway, and David Hellier

April 17, 2026 at 4:27 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

And people say golf is a bit dull...the reports of LIV Golf’s apparent demise might’ve caused a flurry of finger pointing, but there is little doubt that the upstart league is facing a course correction with its Saudi backers. We give you our take.

Plus, a look at the state of private equity meets US youth sports and what are probably the most expensive seats ever.

If you read anything this weekend, catch David Hellier’s brilliant story on how a tiny Scottish football team went full Moneyball and is now close to winning a title. Also finance subsumes another team with the San Diego Padres set to be sold to Clearlake co-founder José E. Feliciano and wife Kwanza Jones. We’re looking forward to the cross-asset synergies with Chelsea FC.