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LIV Golf’s new funding partner pulls out over lack of player commitment in huge blow to league: report
BC Partners has reportedly withdrawn its plan to fund LIV Golf’s proposed “LIV 2.0”, citing doubts about player commitment and whether the league could be viable. The decision deepens uncertainty over LIV’s future: a New Jersey bankruptcy court hearing is expected to begin a liquidation process.
The article says Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund stopped funding LIV in April, and LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September. It estimates the league spent $5 billion to $8 billion between 2021 and 2026, while bankruptcy filings list unpaid compensation owed to players including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson and Cam Smith. Rahm and several other players have rejected the proposed restructuring, and LIV has reportedly laid off most operational staff.
In short
- BC Partners has reportedly pulled out of funding LIV 2.0.
- A bankruptcy court hearing is expected to start liquidation.
- Several leading players have rejected the restructuring plan.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of continuing LIV could argue that the league has created a new route into elite golf, attracted major players and challenged the established tours’ control over where and how professionals compete. A restructuring might preserve jobs, events and player opportunities, while giving the league a chance to prove it can attract lasting audiences and commercial backing.
The case against
Critics could argue that the reported spending, unpaid player compensation and withdrawal of proposed funding point to a model that has not shown it can sustain itself. With the main financial backer having stopped funding and some players rejecting the restructuring, liquidation may be the more responsible course for limiting further losses and addressing creditors’ claims.