LIV Golf is set to be wound down after its investor withdrew support because the proposed new league failed to attract enough players. The organization had hoped BC Partners Credit would provide a possible $300m (£223m) in financing after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) withdrew its backing in April, leading to the league filing for bankruptcy protection in September.
Collapse of LIV 2.0 Plans
The funding could have helped the competition move forward in a new form, dubbed LIV 2.0, but BC Partners is understood to have decided it is not viable to pursue a deal. While leading players such as Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia had already walked away, BBC Sport understands that those working on LIV 2.0 had received commitments from co-investors, felt support from within the golf ecosystem and had about 30 players signed up, including major winners. However, sources say the timelines ultimately proved insurmountable and they could not get the agreements they needed to move forward. The league had been facing a deadline to show it had enough player support to continue in 2027, with the expectation that an attorney acting for LIV will announce in a court hearing on Thursday that the proposal for LIV 2.0 is not viable.
A Tumultuous History
LIV Golf has provided one of the most tumultuous episodes in the history of golf since its launch in 2021, one which threatened to tear the sport apart. High-profile players joined and were banned from other tours, as well as events such as the Ryder Cup. More than $5bn (£3.7bn) was spent by PIF, with major winners including Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau lured by lucrative contracts and vast prize money. But the future of the concept has been shrouded in uncertainty this year after the 2026 season ended early, with an event in August in Indianapolis proving to be the last.
When PIF announced it was withdrawing its funding in April, LIV announced a strategic evolution—including a newly established independent board—and attempted to find replacement financial investors. The exodus of players continued, however, including the exits of Rahm, Ian Poulter, Tyrrell Hatton and Graeme McDowell, with Rahm reportedly owed about $100m (£75m) from the remainder of his contract when he left. The European tour, sponsored by DP World, had also increased pressure on players when it announced last month that those who signed up to LIV Golf next season would not be allowed to be members of the European tour in 2027, spelling an end to Ryder Cup ambitions for any affected players.
Speaking this week, Lee Westwood, one of the most high-profile players to join LIV when it first began in 2022, said the proposed revamp still had potential to thrive but added that nothing agreeable had been presented to him for LIV 2.0. DeChambeau, who had not revealed his future plans, stated that he hopes the league exists forever, while former Taylor Made and Adidas executive Mark King was appointed as a senior adviser last week. A loose deadline for LIV to confirm its players for 2027 had been set for last Sunday, a point which has now passed as the saga draws to a close.
