Jon Rahm is widely expected to leave LIV Golf within the coming weeks, according to reporting by HITC, despite having just claimed his third successive Individual Championship at last weekend’s event in New York. The Spaniard joined the breakaway tour from the PGA Tour in 2023 on a deal worth a reported $300 million, yet his on-course dominance has not been enough to keep him committed to the project.
The 31-year-old is reportedly owed in excess of $100 million of that contract, with LIV’s financial difficulties making full payment appear increasingly unlikely. HITC reported that Rahm has grown frustrated with off-course instability, including the cancellation of the Team Championship and the league’s ongoing search for new backing.
What LIV’s New Investment Deal Actually Means
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil addressed reporters at Trump Bedminster ahead of the New York event after the league announced it had signed an agreement with an unnamed investor. Today’s Golfer reported that O’Neil described the deal as an important step forward, with a plan centred on a reduced schedule and smaller prize funds, while touting that players would become majority equity holders, something he framed as unprecedented in major global sport.
When pressed directly on whether the new structure would be enough to retain Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, O’Neil gave a lengthy response that focused on the global reach of LIV’s roster and the appeal of players like Dean Burmester in South Africa and Cam Smith in Australia. He said he would love both major champions to remain part of the project, describing them as among the biggest stars in sport, not just golf. He did not, however, confirm either would stay.
DeChambeau and Rahm: Two Very Different Situations
Today’s Golfer noted that senior LIV officials are relatively relaxed about DeChambeau’s future. His contract expires at the end of 2026, he has been involved in investor talks directly, and the prospect of being the league’s dominant figure could suit him. There appears to be little mutual pull between him and the PGA Tour at present.
Rahm’s circumstances are more complicated. With Saudi funding withdrawn and bankruptcy a real possibility for the tour, he faces a situation where he may need to negotiate as a creditor rather than simply walk away with what he is owed. His choice will likely come down to accepting a significant equity stake in the restructured league or returning to the traditional tours.
Fan Reaction Points to One Outcome
Social media reaction to the Rahm reports has been sharply negative toward LIV’s prospects. Golf fans online broadly argued the league could not survive without him, with many suggesting it should wind down entirely. Several commenters pointed specifically to the potential fallout for LIV’s prospective investor, arguing that a Rahm departure would likely unravel the terms of the new funding agreement before it gets off the ground.
All eyes now shift to DeChambeau, whose next move will carry almost as much weight as Rahm’s for anyone trying to assess whether LIV Golf has a viable future beyond 2026.
