Jon Rahm Confirms Departure from LIV Golf Amid Ongoing Bankruptcy Proceedings

While a LIV 2.0 could still emerge, it will do so without the league’s standout player.

Jon Rahm’s departure was announced by his representatives during a Wednesday bankruptcy hearing, delivering a significant setback to the breakaway league’s prospects.

Gabby Herzig of The Athletic first reported the remarks made by lawyer John Beck, which are quoted below.

Mr. Rahm has independently examined the proposed terms for LIV 2.0 and concluded they are unacceptable, stating he will not participate moving forward.

Here’s what else is known.

Jon Rahm’s Exit from LIV: Key Details

Is this unexpected?

It is a significant development, though not entirely surprising given recent events. LIV’s 2026 season ended poorly after Saudi Arabia’s PIF withdrew funding, leading to canceled events, a truncated postseason, widespread staff layoffs, and a bankruptcy filing.

Rahm is owed a substantial sum—details to follow—and the terms presented under LIV’s 2.0 vision for 2027 and beyond, which emphasized player equity, fell far short of compensating him.

What exactly did Rahm’s lawyer say?

In response, SBJ’s David Rumsey transcribed the comments below.

What is the amount Rahm is owed?

While we cannot cite an exact figure—no official confirmation of Rahm’s initial mega‑deal structure exists, though reports place it around $350 million—court filings indicate he is still owed upwards of $100 million, with several years left on his contract.

What happens to his contract now?

Rahm’s representatives and LIV will need to negotiate. Beck noted during the hearing that the parties are engaged in “advanced discussions” aimed at reaching a “consensual separation agreement for Mr. Rahm and LIV” by October 15. Rahm’s contract remains the sole existing LIV deal that has not been rejected in the bankruptcy proceedings; it was instead postponed to a hearing on November 5, giving the sides additional time to settle before then.

Otherwise, they will return to court.

Could he return to the PGA Tour?

That is a pertinent question. The PGA Tour has stated it will not negotiate with active LIV players about a possible return unless they are no longer under contract with LIV; Tour sources confirmed on Wednesday that this policy still applies.

Brooks Koepka rejoined the Tour at the start of 2026, and Rahm was likewise extended an offer to do the same. He declined, opting to complete the LIV season. Consequently, Rahm’s exact route back to the Tour remains uncertain. Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has indicated there are no plans to offer him a preferential re‑entry.

Rahm’s exit is especially contentious given his standing in the sport. In late 2023, as the reigning Masters champion and a top‑three world‑ranked player, his departure from the PGA Tour handed LIV a major asset. Less than three years on, the landscape has shifted dramatically.

Where might he play next?

Rahm could shift to the DP World Tour for the upcoming season—a route already taken by Patrick Reed, who, despite being suspended from the PGA Tour, leads the DPWT’s Race to Dubai after several victories earlier this year.

A key difference between Rahm’s and Reed’s situations is that, depending on the PGA Tour’s eligibility ruling, Rahm might be able to play a limited schedule while relying on his major‑championship exemption—his 2023 Masters win grants him five years of Tour membership—potentially allowing a return in 2028.

How has he been performing lately?

By Rahm’s own high standards, the summer was underwhelming: he tied for second at the PGA Championship and posted two runner‑up finishes at LIV events, including the Indianapolis finale. However, he missed the cut at the U.S. Open, fell to T46 at the Open Championship, and encountered difficulties in several LIV tournaments after a three‑year span during which he rarely placed outside the top ten.

He remains ranked 15th in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Who else has departed LIV?

Koepka and Reed have already exited the league.

Earlier this week, Sergio Garcia was released from his contract by the New Jersey bankruptcy court, freeing him to plan his next steps.

Joaquin Niemann has voiced hesitation about returning, citing the league’s revised structure and uncertain outlook.

Additionally, several professionals departed before the 2026 season, either after losing their spots or by choice—among them Henrik Stenson, Kevin Na, Matt Jones, Pat Perez, and others.

Who will decide what happens next?

While the exact decision‑maker remains unknown, it is reasonable to expect that Bryson DeChambeau will play the largest role, having assumed LIV’s top‑player status and its highest‑profile position.

Where is Rahm now?

He is currently at home. Earlier this week he said he would miss the Spanish Open because he and his wife Kelley are anticipating the birth of their fourth child any day.

“>

Source link