LIV Golf: Players Free to Leave after Bankruptcy Protection Filing
By Laura Scott, BBC Sport
LIV Golf, the breakaway golf league, has filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States, allowing its players to leave freely. The move follows Saudi Arabia’s withdrawal of its multibillion-dollar funding in April.
A Chapter 11 petition was filed on Tuesday, stating the intention to "preserve the company’s business." LIV Golf has since found a new investor in BC Partners.
The league plans to restart as a majority player-owned league early next year, and the bankruptcy process allows them to engage with players regarding their participation.
BBC Sport understands that players are not contractually obligated to sign with LIV 2.0, regardless of previous agreements. The court filing will address the financial obligations to players and other creditors.
A Shifting Landscape
Since LIV Golf’s launch in 2021, over $5bn has been invested by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), attracting stars like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.
However, the future of LIV Golf has been in doubt since PIF’s withdrawal, leading to an early end to the 2026 season.
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil expressed confidence in securing a "critical mass" of players for the new league. DeChambeau also expressed optimism about the future.
Rahm’s Perspective
When asked about his future, Rahm told BBC Sport, "There’s a lot of things in place… Time will tell." He added that he is willing to fulfill his existing contract with LIV 1.0.
The bankruptcy filing was made in the federal district court of New Jersey, where LIV Golf established a subsidiary earlier this summer.
