Jon Rahm may become the next major headliner to exit LIV Golf, as league sources are “almost resigned” to his eventual departure according to The Telegraph reporting by James Corrigan.
Financial Pressures Threaten LIV Golf 2.0 Business Model
According to James Corrigan of The Telegraph, LIV sources indicate the potential departure of Jon Rahm could make it significantly more difficult for the league “to secure the necessary finance to keep the show running into next season and beyond.” The Saudi Public Investment Fund, which initially financed the league, is no longer providing billions in backing. LIV CEO Scott O’Neil revealed that the league has secured a lead investor, but the targeted $250 million to $300 million falls far short of previous funding levels.
Financial strains are compounded by substantial player contracts still active on the books alongside event purses reaching tens of millions of dollars. To address these hurdles, the league is eyeing a potential LIV 2.0 model. This prospective structure would offer players equity in the league alongside a reduced schedule of just 10 events a season featuring smaller purses.
Did You Know?
Koepka was the last major departure when he returned to the PGA Tour in January. His return required a $5 million charitable contribution and the forfeiture of potential equity in the PGA Tour’s Player Equity Program for five years.
DP World Tour Policy Shifts and Rahm’s Intentions
The DP World Tour has already been informed of Jon Rahm’s intentions, according to James Corrigan’s reporting, as the golfer has reportedly grown dissatisfied with LIV’s proposed new direction. This development follows reporting from Gabby Herzig of The Athletic on Wednesday, which stated that the DP World Tour is notifying LIV golfers of its intent to reimpose significant fines and suspensions via its conflicting events rule.
While eight LIV golfers secured conditional releases to compete in DP World Tour events this year without facing those penalties, Rahm was not among that group. However, he did negotiate his own separate agreement back in May. The incoming LIV 2.0 model, which prioritizes player equity and fewer events, could create friction with the DP World Tour if participants choose to prioritize the breakaway circuit.
Dwindling Star Power Across the Board
A departure by Jon Rahm would deal a severe blow to a circuit whose momentum has largely stalled following its initial launch. While the organization initially drew heavy media attention by luring marquee names away from the PGA Tour—including Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith—subsequent star acquisitions have dried up.
With both Koepka and Patrick Reed having already exited the league, Bryson DeChambeau stands as arguably the only remaining name capable of drawing significant interest from casual sports fans. Meanwhile, competing properties like the PGA Tour continue to thrive, recently enjoying some of their highest television ratings in decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the notable players reported to have left LIV Golf?
Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed have already left LIV Golf, with Jon Rahm reportedly considering an exit as well.
Why is LIV Golf considering a new business model?
Faced with a withdrawal of funding from the Saudi Public Investment Fund and a smaller lead investment of $250 million to $300 million, the league is exploring a LIV 2.0 model featuring 10 events a season, smaller purses, and player equity.
How did Brooks Koepka return to the PGA Tour?
Koepka returned to the PGA Tour in January by agreeing to a $5 million charitable contribution and forfeiting potential equity in the PGA Tour’s Player Equity Program for five years.
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