Amid swirling rumors that the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit is on the verge of collapse, one of its star players has stepped forward to offer a vote of confidence. Sergio Garcia, captain of the Fireballs team, has stated that players were assured earlier this year the tour is built for the long haul.

Speaking on the eve of the LIV Golf tournament in Mexico, Garcia addressed reports from publications like the Financial Times suggesting the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) might be pulling its support. "We have not heard anything," Garcia said of the rumors, before adding a crucial detail from a meeting at the start of the year.

"That is not what Yasir [Al-Rumayyan, governor of PIF] told us," Garcia explained. "He told us that he is behind us, that they have a project of many years." According to Garcia, players were recently informed that funding is secured until at least 2032, directly contradicting the speculation of an imminent shutdown.

However, the financial challenges facing the disruptive tour are significant. Reports indicate LIV Golf's net losses outside the U.S. reached $461.8 million in 2024, contributing to total losses exceeding $1.1 billion since its 2021 launch. With PIF's total investment reportedly near $5 billion and broadcast rights generating a modest $2.7 million, the path to profitability appears steep.

LIV Golf's own CEO, Scott O'Neil, acknowledged in February that the tour likely won't be profitable for another five to ten years. This timeline aligns with a reported strategic shift within Saudi Arabia, where a senior source told BBC Sport that PIF investments are "under serious review," with a new focus on sustainable returns from sectors like AI and tech.

Despite securing high-profile sponsors like Rolex and HSBC, the question of LIV's long-term financial viability remains. For now, players like Sergio Garcia are operating on the assurance of continued backing, even as the golf world watches closely to see if this ambitious venture can secure its place in the sport's future.