LIV Golf has filed for bankruptcy, leaving more than £30 million in unpaid money owed to its high-profile players. The Saudi-backed golf league lodged a Chapter 11 petition in New Jersey, signaling a significant milestone in its downfall which began four years ago.
The bankruptcy filing reveals the substantial sums owed to LIV golfers, who are now listed as unsecured creditors. Jon Rahm is owed the largest amount, with $7.5 million (approximately £5.5 million) outstanding. Bryson DeChambeau follows, with $5.8 million (approximately £4.3 million) still due.
Other notable players with significant unsecured claims include Dustin Johnson ($5.5 million / £4.1 million), Cameron Smith ($4.8 million / £3.5 million), and Adrian Meronk ($4.4 million / £3.2 million). English golfer Tyrrell Hatton is owed $3.4 million (approximately £2.5 million).
These figures represent money already owed to the golfers at the time of the filing, not the total value of their contracts. For instance, Rahm's reported $350 million (£258 million) LIV contract means his outstanding £5.5 million is a fraction of his overall deal.
The bankruptcy proceedings may pave the way for a 'LIV 2.0,' with the league reportedly in discussions with private equity group BC Partners. However, it remains uncertain whether this will be sufficient to sustain the league into a 2027 season or which marquee players will remain in a potentially diminished format.
Bankruptcy could allow golfers to exit their contracts, potentially opening doors for some to return to the PGA Tour. However, players who previously defected to LIV may face challenges in being reinstated by the American circuit, which had imposed financial penalties on them.
Rahm has reportedly been working towards a reconciliation with the PGA Tour, agreeing to make occasional appearances and pay accrued fines since joining LIV in 2024. A spokesperson for the DP World Tour (PGA European Tour) confirmed an agreement for conditional releases for Rahm to play in conflicting LIV tournaments during the remainder of its 2026 season. Rahm himself indicated that a "standoff" was over and concessions had been made by both parties.
DeChambeau's LIV contract expired at the end of the 2026 season, and he is expected to consider recommitting in exchange for equity in the league. The futures of Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, who are both contracted through 2028, are reportedly more uncertain, with sources suggesting they might depart if the bankruptcy petition proceeded. Rahm's own comments about fulfilling his "LIV 1.0" contract, contingent on existing terms being honored, have fueled speculation about his future.