Jon Rahm is preparing to leave LIV Golf after rejecting the terms proposed for its planned next phase, putting millions of dollars in unpaid compensation and future contract guarantees at risk. The Spaniard’s lawyer, John Beck, confirmed his decision during a hearing in the league’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings on October 7, 2026.
According to the league’s bankruptcy filing, Rahm is LIV Golf’s largest listed player creditor, with an unsecured claim of approximately $7.47 million. He also reportedly has more than $100 million in future guaranteed compensation remaining under the contract he signed before joining the league for the 2024 season. That future money is now uncertain as Rahm and LIV work toward separating.
Rahm joined LIV in December 2023 while reigning as Masters champion and ranked among the world’s leading golfers. His arrival was a major signing for the Saudi-backed circuit, which had attracted established PGA Tour players with lucrative contracts. He went on to win three consecutive LIV individual season titles, making his departure a significant setback for the league’s planned relaunch.
The financial uncertainty follows the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s decision to end its funding after the 2026 season, prompting LIV to seek bankruptcy protection and restructure its business.
RAHM CALLS LIV 2.0 TERMS “UNACCEPTABLE”
Beck delivered the decision in court, stating that Rahm would not participate in the proposed LIV 2.0 format. As reported by Reuters, Beck said Rahm had reviewed the new terms and found them “unacceptable.” The parties were reportedly working toward a separation agreement.
The restructuring comes as LIV explores a new ownership model and seeks investment to continue beyond 2026. The Associated Press reported that BC Partners Credit is involved in a proposed investment plan worth up to $300 million to help the league emerge from bankruptcy.
Rahm is not the only high-profile golfer listed among LIV’s unpaid creditors. The league’s Chapter 11 filing lists approximately $5.77 million owed to Bryson DeChambeau, $5.49 million to Dustin Johnson, $4.84 million to Cameron Smith, and $4.44 million to Adrian Meronk.
The filing identifies claims against LIV, but the listed amounts do not automatically establish how much each player will ultimately recover. Rahm’s future guarantees are also separate from the approximately $7.47 million unsecured claim recorded in the bankruptcy documents.
With Rahm declining to join LIV 2.0, the league faces another major challenge as it attempts to secure players and establish a sustainable future. The outcome of its restructuring and contract negotiations will determine how much of the outstanding compensation players can recover.
