Saudis to pull out of LIV Golf

Saudis to pull out of LIV Golf

From Global News Podcast by BBC World Service

April 30, 2026 · 31 min

About this episode

Saudi Arabia will withdraw its financial support for LIV Golf, raising questions about the future of the series and its controversial origins.

Saudi Arabia will withdraw its multi-billion dollar backing of LIV Golf at the end of the season, plunging the future of the series into further doubt. LIV was formed as a breakaway from the longstanding PGA tour, offering large sums to lure away some of golf's top players. The move was always seen as controversial - human rights groups accused Saudi Arabia of using sports sponsorship to distract from its poor human rights record. LIV says it hopes to attract new sponsors, though it's not clear who might be able to match the billions which Saudi Arabia's oil wealth had made available. Also: Relations between the US and Germany are tested over the war in Iran as President Trump and Chancellor Merz criticise one another; pro-Palestinian activists say at least 22 boats from a flotilla carrying aid for Gaza have been intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters near the Greek island of Crete; China introduces new restrictions on the use of drones, which include a near- total ban on flying them in Beijing; and a DNA study offers new clues on the fall of Ancient Rome. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest…

Topics covered

  • LIV Golf
  • Saudi Arabia
  • US-Germany relations
  • Gaza aid
  • drone restrictions
  • Ancient Rome

Keywords

  • LIV Golf
  • Saudi Arabia
  • PGA tour
  • US Germany relations
  • Gaza
  • drones
  • Ancient Rome

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Saudi Arabia, LIV Golf, PGA tour

Places: Gaza, Beijing, Crete

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