DeChambeau Commits to LIV Golf Amid Funding Uncertainty
Two-time Major winner says he wants $500m deal as PIF withdrawal speculation threatens tour's future
Quick Look
- Two-time Major winner Bryson DeChambeau has committed to staying with LIV Golf despite speculation about its finances after reports suggested Saudi Arabia's PIF may pull support.
- European golf figures believe LIV will not continue past this year, but DeChambeau, 32, says he is working on a new contract and has a responsibility to help make the league work.
- Reports suggest he wants $500m to stay when his current deal expires.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
LIV Golf launched in 2022, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, causing the biggest split in professional golf in decades. It lured star names from the PGA Tour with massive pay increases, creating a rival circuit.
Two-time Major winner Bryson DeChambeau has committed to staying with LIV Golf despite speculation about the tour's finances. Reports last week suggested Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is set to pull its financial support from the breakaway tour, placing its future in jeopardy.
And while LIV chiefs have insisted it is business as usual, senior figures in European golf have told BBC Sport they believe LIV will not continue past this year.
DeChambeau, 32, is one of the biggest draws in golf, with reports suggesting he wants $500m (£370m) to stay with LIV when his current contract expires.
He told Flushing It Golf: "As long as LIV is here, I would figure out a way for it to make sense. We're still working on a potential contract. I haven't given up on that and I think there will be a solution. But as of right now, my job is to help make the league work after this year.
"I just feel like I have a responsibility. I've put a lot of effort into it. So that's what I'm going to do - we're going to make this work.
"It's a start-up, right? And so there's going to be times where we're squeezed and punched. This is one of those moments. But I'm going to do everything in my power to make it work and I really see the value in franchise golf."
LIV caused a major split in professional golf in 2022 when it started luring star names away from the PGA Tour with the offer of huge pay increases.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
LIV Golf will announce formal plans for 2027 season within 3 months
Possible · Within months
More player contract renewals will be announced in coming weeks
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will PIF actually withdraw funding?
- Will other star players follow DeChambeau's commitment?
- What will happen to LIV Golf's franchise model if funding ends?
