Jon Rahm has announced his decision to leave LIV Golf, citing unacceptable terms in the proposed LIV 2.0, according to his lawyer. Rahm's lawyer, John Beck, stated during a bankruptcy hearing on Wednesday that the two-time major champion reviewed the details of LIV Golf's planned next phase and found them unacceptable. This decision removes one of the circuit's most prominent players as it navigates bankruptcy proceedings.
Other golfers have also requested assistance from a US bankruptcy judge to terminate their contracts and clarify their ability to negotiate with other tournament organizers and sponsors due to unpaid LIV contracts. LIV Golf has already agreed to terminate Sergio Garcia's contract, indicating that the league would not honor its terms. Lawyers representing Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, An Byeong-hun, Marc Leishman, Cameron Tringale, and Matthew Wolff have also sought permission from the judge to exit their contracts, which would not prevent them from participating in LIV 2.0.
Rahm, who joined LIV Golf in late 2023 and has secured three consecutive season-long individual titles since then, had the largest unsecured claim among players at $7.5 million when LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 protection in New Jersey last month. Earlier this week, LIV Golf obtained funding from BC Partners to assist in its restructuring efforts and to strengthen its financial position ahead of the 2027 season. This financing, which could reach up to $300 million, is pending bankruptcy court approval and other conditions. BC Partners Credit stated that the funding would support the next phase of LIV Golf, which aims to allow players to become equity owners of the league and its teams.