May 6 (Reuters) - Former world number two ⁠Cameron Smith has shrugged off concerns the LIV Golf tour's days are numbered, ⁠saying he had been given every assurance it will continue beyond this year ‌despite the loss of Saudi Arabian backing.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has spent more than $5 billion on LIV since its 2022 launch, confirmed last week it will cut funding at the close of the 2026 season, leaving ​the circuit scrambling for new backers.

Smith, who captains the all-Australian ⁠Ripper GC outfit, signed up early ⁠for a reported $100 million and has earned about $50 million in prize money from the team-based tour.

The ⁠2022 ‌British Open winner told reporters he had received every assurance that the tour would continue next year, without elaborating.

"I promise you will hear it first from someone else, ⁠rather than me," he said.

"I know the team are working ​hard behind the scenes and ‌they're doing everything they can for us.

"So I am excited, I know (LIV Golf chief ⁠executive) Scott O'Neil ​is really excited for the progress and challenge in the coming months."

O'Neil told a press conference ahead of the Virginia event in Washington, D.C. that he was confident of support from new sponsors and ⁠investors.