Jon Rahm seeks LIV Golf exit after rejecting restructuring terms

Jon Rahm is set to leave LIV Golf after rejecting the terms proposed for its restructured competition, his lawyer told a bankruptcy court hearing, according to BBC Sport. Representatives of the Spanish golfer and the league are in advanced talks over an agreed separation, with the deal not yet reported as finalised.

John Beck, acting for Rahm, told the hearing that the 31-year-old had assessed the LIV 2.0 proposal himself and found its terms unacceptable. The hearing subsequently heard that discussions over a consensual separation agreement were at an advanced stage. The parties hope to have that agreement completed by a further court hearing on 5 November, BBC Sport reported.

Rahm's position emerges as LIV tries to establish a route into the 2027 season after losing its Saudi Arabian financial backing. The league filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States in September, following the withdrawal of multibillion-dollar funding. Its efforts to continue now include negotiations with players over the terms of the revamped competition.

BBC Sport reported that LIV has secured possible financing of $300m from BC Partners Credit as part of those efforts. The funding was described as a potential source of support for the league's attempt to move forward with next season. It comes alongside the continuing process of discussing new arrangements with players, rather than a reported resolution of Rahm's departure.

Participants in the league are owed at least $45m, equivalent to about £33m, and have the option to leave, according to the report. An agreement gives LIV additional time to discuss terms with its players, with those talks now open until 25 October. That deadline precedes the November hearing by which Rahm's separation is hoped to be finalised.

Rahm joined LIV in December 2023 after leaving the PGA Tour, in a deal reported to be worth £222m, or $300m. His proposed exit therefore concerns a player whose arrival represented a major signing for the league. For now, his rejection of the new terms is clear, while the final separation agreement remains under discussion.