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Rahm was not ‘willing to follow’ LIV 2.0 path
Jon Rahm says he left LIV Golf because he opposed the direction planned for its “LIV 2.0” relaunch, which followed the loss of Saudi backing and a bankruptcy filing. His departure adds to uncertainty over the league’s future and raises questions about whether he could return to the PGA Tour.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund had invested more than $5bn before withdrawing its support in April; LIV has since secured a possible $300m in financing. Rahm joined in 2023 for a reported £222m deal and reportedly gave up about $100m in remaining contract value to leave. He retains DP World Tour membership and says he would consider a PGA Tour return even if it meant serving a one-year suspension.
In short
- Rahm says he rejected LIV’s planned direction.
- LIV lost Saudi backing after more than $5bn invested.
- He would consider a PGA Tour return despite a suspension.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Rahm’s reported decision to leave can be defended as a refusal to commit to a league whose future direction and financial backing had become uncertain. Giving up substantial remaining contract value suggests he regarded the concerns as serious, while retaining DP World Tour membership and being open to a PGA Tour suspension may reflect a preference for a more stable competitive future.
The case against
LIV’s advocates could argue that a relaunch after losing its Saudi backing and filing for bankruptcy is a chance to build a more sustainable league, and that Rahm might have helped shape that transition. They may also see his departure, despite possible new financing and the value of his contract, as weakening the league’s prospects before its revised model has had a fair chance to prove itself.
Explained simply
LIV Golf is a professional golf league launched in 2022 with major financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. It recruited leading players from established tours, including Jon Rahm, who joined in 2023. The PGA Tour and the Europe-based DP World Tour are separate circuits with their own membership rules and events.
LIV’s plans became less certain after the Saudi fund withdrew its support and the league filed for bankruptcy protection. It has since arranged possible new financing, while considering a relaunch called “LIV 2.0”. Rahm’s decision to leave puts attention on how the league may be funded and run, and on what options players have if they want to return to other tours.
Rahm still has membership of the DP World Tour, and a return to the PGA Tour could involve a suspension under its rules. His position matters because he is a high-profile player whose move may affect how others view LIV’s future and the relationship between the tours.