The decision to pull funding from LIV Golf isn't expected to affect the UFC, WWE, or Zuffa Boxing, as Dana White avoids the recent Saudi Arabia budget cuts.
Dana White's boxing project won't be impacted by pulled Saudi funds (Image: Getty)
LIV Golf's future may be uncertain after the Saudi Arabian PIF announced it would cut its funding after the 2026 season, but it has no plans to alter its involvement with the WWE, Zuffa Boxing, or the UFC.
The Saudi PIF has invested $5 billion into LIV Golf, but they will stop bankrolling the organization after the current season concludes. The league is now looking to secure investors from 2027 onward, but concerns about LIV Golf's sustainability remain.
Several players are reportedly considering their next steps, though Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson don't appear concerned. Dana White also has nothing to worry about, as funding for Zuffa Boxing is set to continue, and deals with the WWE and the UFC remain untouched.
- Ryan Blaney radio interview interrupted with breaking news that's 'never happened before'
- Caddie's wife 'jealous' as he helps Nelly Korda secure $2.5M victory
The Saudi PIF has invested in several sports in recent years, attempting to rival the PGA Tour in golf and pump billions into the Saudi Pro League to disrupt soccer. Boxing has also seen a significant makeover since Saudi Arabia got involved.
After hosting major fights in Riyadh, the PIF invested in combat sports and entertainment through TKO Holdings, which was formed when the UFC and WWE merged. White leads the UFC and also co-founded Zuffa Boxing alongside Turki Al-Sheikh, the chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority.
LIV Golf won't be funded by the PIF after the 2026 season (Image: Getty)
The UFC and the WWE have 10-year hosting deals with Saudi Arabia, but Zuffa Boxing is a separate venture. The organization recently paid Conor Benn up to $15 million on a one-fight deal, before negotiating a multi-year, five-fight deal.
On Wednesday, TKO executive Mark Shapiro insisted that Saudi Arabia's support is "unwavering," easing fears that combat sports could be affected by cuts. "Our partners in Saudi Arabia have confirmed that [a LIV Golf-like divestment] will not be the case with TKO," he said to SBJ.
"Their commitment to our properties in 2026 and beyond is unwavering." Shapiro also said that TKO is "firmly moving ahead with scheduled events in Saudi Arabia and the region."
Zuffa Boxing, the UFC, and the WWE will continue to operate as planned (Image: Getty)
After heavy speculation that LIV Golf's funding was set to end, the organization released a statement at the end of April confirming the reports. "PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season," a PIF spokesperson said.
"The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF's investment strategy. This decision has been made in light of PIF's investment priorities and current macro dynamics.
"The LIV Golf Board has created a committee of independent directors to evaluate strategic alternatives for its future beyond PIF's funding horizon. LIV Golf has substantially grown the game globally through its transformational and positive impact.
"It has forever changed the game of golf for the better. PIF remains committed to deploying capital internationally in line with its investment strategy, including its substantial current and future investments in various sports as a priority sector."