LIV Golf CEO: ‘I Hope We Can’ Pay Unpaid Vendors
Lawsuits over missed payments are piling up.
LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil addressed the issue of vendors and contractors claiming the league has not paid them after working together this year. At a pre-tournament press conference, O'Neil expressed hope that the league can make right by these individuals who committed their work. The issue has gained attention due to a lawsuit filed by Fresh Tape Media, seeking $1.23 million in unpaid payments and interest related to their production of LIV's preseason media days event in January.
This lawsuit was one of several alleging unpaid vendors, with another former LIV vendor recently filing a similar lawsuit.
O'Neil mentioned that the league is transitioning to a new model, dubbed "LIV 2.0," which will end with the 2026 season after receiving funding from the Saudi Public Investment Fund. This week's tournament in Indianapolis would mark LIV's 2026 season finale, following the cancellation of the LIV Golf Michigan event due to funding issues. O'Neil acknowledged that the league has been under immense pressure and stated that they are doing their best to maintain their reputation and character.
The league recently secured a new lead investor, BC Partners Credit, and a transaction is expected to be finalized soon. The terms of the deal remain undisclosed, and it may depend on which players continue to participate in 2027. While not ruling out bankruptcy, O'Neil emphasized that the league's focus is on making it a sustainable sports business for the long term.
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