Report: Fanatics Flag Football Event Could Be At Risk, Too
It's starting to sound like Saudi Arabia is losing its desire to be at the center of the sports world.
There were rumblings this week that LIV Golf could shut down before this summer even begins. According to multiple reports, the league could lose funding from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
"Sources indicate LIV is preparing to wind down operations as the Public Investment Fund (PIF) reassesses its broader strategy amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. A recent board meeting in New York focused on the league's near-term future, including whether to cease operations following this week's event in Mexico City or continue through the end of the season," Trey Wingo reported Wednesday. "Importantly, this is not a reflection of LIV's commercial performance. The league was fully funded through 2030 - this is a top-down strategic shift driven by evolving geopolitical priorities. MBS pulled the plug."
Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports is reporting the PIF could also pull funding for the Fanatics Flag Football Classic.
"Riyadh Season, a promotional vehicle for Saudi's General Entertainment Authority (GEA), had a sponsorship deal for the Fanatics Flag Football Classic to take place in Riyadh last month," Glasspiegel wrote. "The event, which aired on Fox, was moved to Los Angeles after a coalition including the United States and Israel attacked Iran, triggering turmoil in the Middle East. Fanatics and Saudi Arabia officials were at odds about moving the event, with the latter preferring to postpone it and host it in Riyadh once the geopolitical situation cools down, sources said."
The Fanatics Flag Football Classic took place on March 21 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Fans got to watch Tom Brady, Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels and Jalen Hurts among other NFL superstars.
Although the PIF might be done supporting the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, this tournament is expected to carry on with or without Saudi Arabia's money.
What about LIV Golf?
LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil announced Wednesday that his tour has enough funding for the entire 2026 season. That being said, an immediate shutdown isn't imminent.
"I want to be crystal clear: Our season continues exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle," O'Neil wrote. "While the media landscape is often filled with speculation, our reality is defined by the work we do on the grass. We are heading into the heart of our 2026 schedule with the full energy of an organization that is bigger, louder, and more influential than ever before."
Believe it or not, PIF has invested more than $5 billion in LIV Golf. Losing that type of financial commitment would sting, but maybe the league will survive just like the Fanatics Flag Football Classic.
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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 6:20 AM.