Jon Rahm Nears LIV Golf Exit as $300 Million Deal Faces Funding Uncertainty

Q: With Saudi funding ending in 2026, will Jon Rahm abandon his nine-figure contract to escape LIV Golf's collapsing empire?

Probably, but not yet with certainty. Multiple reports now say people inside LIV are “almost resigned” to Jon Rahm leaving, and the timing matters: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has said it will stop funding LIV after the 2026 season, while the league is still trying to lock in replacement capital and may shrink into a leaner “LIV 2.0” model with fewer events and smaller purses. That weakens the case for Rahm to stay, especially if he wants a clearer long-term competitive path. The biggest obstacle is money. Rahm is still believed to be owed a nine-figure amount from his reported $300 million deal. Walking away outright would be costly, so the more likely scenario is not that he simply abandons the contract, but that he negotiates an exit, a restructuring, or some settlement tied to LIV’s overhaul. Reports suggest LIV could try to satisfy part of what it owes through equity, though Rahm has shown little public appetite for becoming deeply involved in the business side. His sporting options also push both ways. A return to the DP World Tour appears increasingly plausible, and some observers believe a PGA Tour comeback could follow. But neither route looks simple: the DP World Tour is expected to tighten releases for LIV players in 2027, and the PGA Tour has not set out an easy universal return path. So the evidence points toward Rahm trying to escape LIV’s uncertainty, but likely through negotiation rather than forfeiting all remaining money.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 13

LIV insiders told the Telegraph they are nearly resigned to Jon Rahm leaving soon, a potential blow to one of the few marquee stars still anchoring the circuit.
The uncertainty centers on money: Rahm reportedly still is owed a nine-figure portion of his $300 million signing package, while Saudi PIF funding is set to end after the 2026 season.
Scott O'Neil said LIV has signed a term sheet with an unnamed 2027 investor and hopes for a final agreement in September, but Rahm's exit could weaken that pitch.
2027 also may force a competitive choice, with the Athletic reporting DP World Tour conditional releases for LIV players are highly unlikely to continue next year.
Rahm, a two-time major champion with some existing exemptions, could have routes back outside LIV, and his departure would deepen questions over the league's survival.