Jon Rahm rejects LIV Golf relaunch terms as separation talks advance

Jon Rahm will not take part in LIV Golf's proposed relaunch after rejecting its new terms, his lawyer told a bankruptcy court hearing on Wednesday. Axios reported that attorney John Beck confirmed the Spaniard's decision as the league attempts to reorganise following its September Chapter 11 filing.

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BBC Sport reported that Rahm's representatives and LIV are in advanced negotiations over an agreed separation, with hopes of completing the arrangement by a hearing on 5 November. Beck told the court that the 31-year-old had assessed the LIV 2.0 proposal independently and found the terms unacceptable. The separation agreement has not yet been finalised.

The BBC said LIV's players are owed at least $45 million, while Rahm has a $7.5 million unsecured claim, the largest among the 30 biggest unsecured claims listed in court documents. Negotiations between the league and its players have been extended until 25 October. According to the broadcaster, existing multi-year contracts do not oblige players to join LIV 2.0.

The financial plan remains conditional. The Associated Press reported that BC Partners Credit announced an initial investment as part of a targeted $300 million financing package. Funding through the firm's platform requires bankruptcy court approval. The proposed 2027 competition would have 10 tournaments, with half staged internationally, and would give players equity in a team-focused league.

LIV's own restructuring announcement, issued on 8 September, said the reorganised business was expected to be majority-owned by players. The company began its Chapter 11 proceedings in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. It said the proposed transaction required court and stakeholder approval, with an intended emergence from bankruptcy in early 2027.

Rahm joined LIV from the PGA Tour in December 2023 and won his third consecutive LIV season title in August, BBC Sport reported. In May, he reached an agreement with the DP World Tour to retain membership and eligibility for next year's Ryder Cup. Wednesday's court update concerns his departure from LIV, rather than confirmation of a new playing destination.