Jon Rahm rejects LIV 2.0 terms as lawyers negotiate departure

Jon Rahm will not take part in the proposed next version of LIV Golf after rejecting its terms, his lawyer told a bankruptcy hearing on Wednesday, according to The Guardian. The two-time major champion’s representatives are negotiating his departure while the circuit attempts to reorganise ahead of the planned end of its Saudi financial backing.

Attorney John Beck told the hearing that Rahm had reviewed the LIV 2.0 proposal independently and found the terms unacceptable. The Guardian reported that talks over an agreed separation were at an advanced stage. That leaves a distinction between Rahm’s decision not to participate in the proposed league and completion of the agreement governing his exit; the report did not say that agreement had been finalised.

Rahm joined LIV in 2023 and was among the players recruited on lucrative contracts covering several years. Earlier creditor documents listed an unsecured claim of $7.5 million for the Spaniard, according to the newspaper. His departure negotiations are taking place within the wider bankruptcy process, rather than through a newly announced agreement to join another tour. The report did not confirm a new playing destination for him.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced in April that its funding of LIV would end after 2026. The circuit subsequently entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States in September. The Guardian reported that the loss of that support had left the expensive player contracts unaffordable, putting the arrangements that helped attract leading golfers under pressure as LIV seeks a way to continue operating.

On Tuesday, LIV entered a formal restructuring support agreement with BC Partners Credit. Details remained unclear, including potential financing of $300 million, the newspaper reported. BC Partners Credit executive Ted Goldthorpe said the aim was to give LIV a sound financial basis for the 2027 season. LIV chief executive Scott O’Neil described the intended future format as a global league centred on teams and owned by players, while acknowledging that further work remained.

Separately, Rahm withdrew from this week’s Spanish Open in Madrid to stay at home while his wife, Kelley, awaits their fourth child. The Guardian also reported that he had previously resolved a dispute with the DP World Tour that could have affected his future Ryder Cup participation.