Bryson DeChambeau and LIV golfers Free from contracts per judge
Bryson DeChambeau and more than a dozen other LIV Golf players gained freedom from their existing contracts on October 14, 2026, after a federal bankruptcy judge approved contract rejections during Chapter 11 proceedings in New Jersey. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michael B. Kaplan approved the request, allowing affected golfers to negotiate new playing arrangements for the 2027 season or consider offers from competing organizations.
Contract Rejections and Major Champions Affected
The court decision impacted several major champions who originally joined the league under individual player agreements. Alongside DeChambeau, the rejected contracts included Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, and Bubba Watson. Additional players whose agreements were terminated comprise Lee Westwood, Anirban Lahiri, Talor Gooch, Anthony Kim, Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Lucas Herbert, Michael La Sasso, Danny Lee, David Puig, Dean Burmaster, Luis Masavau, Victor Perez, Thomas Pieters, and Peter Uihlein.
Following the restructuring, LIV Golf introduced proposed contracts for a reorganized competition named LIV 2.0. This shift followed the withdrawal of financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. BC Partners proposed up to $300 million in loans and investments to support the restructuring, which Judge Kaplan approved on October 14, 2026. Under the proposed ownership structure, participating players would receive a combined 52.5% ownership stake, while BC Partners and potential minority investors would hold 45%, and management would retain 2.5%.
Jon Rahm Reaches Separation Agreement with LIV Golf
Jon Rahm reached a proposed separation agreement with LIV Golf in October 2026 to release him from future playing commitments. Rahm signed with the league in December 2023 under a deal reportedly worth more than $300 million, though records separately noted a $7.5 million bankruptcy claim. Under the separation terms awaiting a November 5 court approval hearing, Rahm agreed to waive remaining financial claims against the bankruptcy estate, where he stood as the largest creditor. The agreement restores his control over name, image, and likeness rights, including Legion XIII trademarks, though it prohibits Rahm from using the Legion XIII brand in other circuits like TGL.
Players face an October 25, 2026 deadline set by the restructuring agreement to commit to LIV 2.0. Meanwhile, DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings announced on October 12, 2026, that golfers who commit to LIV in 2027 will not qualify for European Tour membership.
| Player | Status | Key Development |
|---|---|---|
| Bryson DeChambeau | Contract Rejected | Free to negotiate new terms or leave LIV Golf for 2027. |
| Jon Rahm | Separation Agreement | Waived financial claims, secured trademark rights, pending court approval. |
| David Puig | Contract Rejected | Announced he will not return to the league in 2027. |
Bankruptcy proceedings continue with further hearings scheduled as the league decides whether to proceed with LIV 2.0 or wind down operations.
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