LIV Golf’s future beyond the 2026 season has been thrown into fresh uncertainty after reports claimed a significant number of players remain reluctant to commit to the league despite ongoing investment talks.
The latest development comes just days after LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil announced that the league had signed a board-approved term sheet with a lead investor to help fund the circuit beyond 2026. While the announcement was viewed as a major step forward, new claims suggest convincing players to stay could prove just as important as securing new financial backing.
According to golf news account Flushing It, LIV Golf players were sent equity offers and non-binding Indications of Interest documents several weeks ago as part of the league’s proposed new ownership structure. However, many players reportedly have yet to return the paperwork.
Following confirmation that LIV Golf is in advanced discussions with a new lead investor, players have reportedly been encouraged once again to submit the documents, with future funding believed to depend on obtaining commitments from the league’s biggest stars.
“It’s unclear how many will commit to the future of the league, but insiders expect a significant number not to,” Flushing It posted on X.
The report added that a much clearer picture of which players are committed to LIV Golf 2.0 is expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
The latest claims come after Scott O’Neil revealed that LIV Golf hopes to finalize a funding agreement by September. He also announced plans for players to become majority equity holders, describing it as a first for a major global sports league.
However, optimism surrounding that announcement has been tempered by reports that potential investors want assurances the league’s biggest names will remain after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) ends its direct financial backing later this month.
Bloomberg has reported that BC Partners’ credit arm is leading discussions over a potential financing package, while the Financial Times claims the proposed investment depends on LIV Golf retaining stars such as Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.
Negotiations are also complicated by existing player contracts. Reports suggest several LIV Golf players are still owed substantial guaranteed payments under agreements originally funded by the PIF.
Monday Q Info has reported that Rahm alone is still owed around $150 million under the contract he signed after joining LIV Golf in December 2023.
The Financial Times also reported that the PIF is considering settling existing player contracts at discounted values in exchange for liability releases, allowing players to sign new agreements under a BC Partners-backed ownership structure.
Another option reportedly discussed is a pre-packaged bankruptcy process that would allow LIV Golf to remove historic financial liabilities before new investment is completed.
The reports surfaced as Rahm and DeChambeau struggled during the opening round of LIV Golf New York at Trump National Bedminster.
Rahm carded a one-over-par 72, while DeChambeau endured his toughest round of the 2026 LIV Golf season with a five-over-par 76. The Crushers GC captain was also seen venting his frustration after throwing a plastic bottle following a difficult start to his round.
Both players remain in contention for the Individual Championship with two events left in the season.
Earlier in the week, DeChambeau led a players’ meeting at Trump National Bedminster. Although little information emerged from the discussion, several players described the atmosphere as positive while acknowledging there are still unanswered questions surrounding future investment and whether the season-ending Team Championship in Michigan will go ahead as planned.
With O’Neil targeting September to complete a funding agreement, the coming weeks are expected to play a crucial role in determining LIV Golf’s future. While securing fresh investment remains a priority, reports suggest convincing enough players to commit to the league’s next chapter could prove equally important.
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