LIV's financial backer dropping plan for new league in 2027, report says

In a stunning turn of events for professional golf, LIV Golf's ambitious plans for a new league, dubbed "LIV 2.0," have been shelved. The decision comes after BC Partners Credit, the financial backer pledging up to $300 million, determined that player support was insufficient. This announcement marks a significant moment in the ongoing saga of LIV Golf, which has been embroiled in controversy since its inception.

What Happened

The Financial Times reported that BC Partners Credit's decision to abandon LIV 2.0 stems from a lack of commitment from top players. Only four players, including Brendan Steele and Cameron Tringale, publicly expressed support for the new league. While LIV was believed to have around 30 players willing to stay, it struggled to attract the star power necessary to make the venture viable. LIV CEO Scott O'Neil had touted the new league as a chance for players to gain equity, calling it a “second bite of the apple.”

Earlier this month, Jon Rahm was released from his contract, a move that was expected to be finalized at a bankruptcy hearing in New Jersey. However, the hearing has now shifted focus towards the potential liquidation of LIV's assets, indicating a grim outlook for the league.

BC Partners Credit’s Ted Goldthorpe spoke at a Sportico conference in September, emphasizing that much of the initial investment had gone into establishing the infrastructure and ecosystem for LIV Golf. Despite this, the lack of player buy-in has ultimately derailed the league's future.

Background on LIV Golf

Launched in 2022, LIV Golf was initially backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which lured high-profile players with lucrative signing bonuses. Names like Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau were drawn to LIV with nine-figure contracts, fundamentally changing the landscape of professional golf. Even lesser-known players were offered deals exceeding their career earnings.

However, following the onset of the Iran war, the PIF reassessed its investment strategy. By April 2026, it was clear that the financial backing for LIV Golf would be withdrawn. This decision coincided with a broader shift in the sports investment landscape, as the Asian Tour opted to renew its alliance with the PGA Tour and European Tour.

As LIV Golf navigated its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on September 8, the European Tour issued a stark ultimatum: players who signed with LIV 2.0 would be barred from membership in the DP World Tour, jeopardizing their eligibility for prestigious events like the Ryder Cup.

The Impact on Players

The fallout from these developments has been significant for many players. Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia, and Louis Oosthuizen are among those who have decided to part ways with LIV, seeking to return to the PGA Tour. The exodus of talent has raised questions about the league's sustainability and future.

Brooks Koepka's departure from LIV, despite having a year left on his contract, highlights the shifting dynamics in professional golf. The PGA Tour has created pathways for returning players, albeit with financial penalties. Patrick Reed's decision not to extend his deal with LIV further underscores the challenges the league faces.

With LIV's final event held in August, won by Michael La Sasso, the league's future looks uncertain. La Sasso's struggles in the European Tour Q-school suggest that even successful players are finding it difficult to navigate the current landscape.

Community Reaction

The news of LIV Golf's withdrawal from its plans for a new league has elicited varied reactions from the golfing community. Many traditionalists have welcomed the developments, viewing LIV's struggles as a return to the sport's roots. Others, however, express concern about the implications for player autonomy and the future of competitive golf.

Local golf clubs and organizations in Atherton have noted the impact of LIV's financial backing on the sport's ecosystem. The influx of capital into professional golf has changed how players view sponsorship and support. Some community members have voiced relief that the focus may shift back to established tours, where tradition and competition reign supreme.

In Atherton, the local golf community has been particularly vocal about the implications of LIV's rise and fall. Many amateur players and enthusiasts have shared their thoughts on social media, expressing hopes that the return to a more traditional structure will inspire young golfers in the area. Local golf coaches have also commented on how the changes might affect youth programs, which often rely on the visibility and popularity of professional leagues to attract new talent.

Furthermore, the financial instability surrounding LIV Golf has prompted discussions about the ethics of sports sponsorship in the community. Residents have begun to question whether the allure of massive payouts is worth the potential damage to the sport's integrity. This dialogue reflects a growing awareness of the broader implications of sports finance, particularly in a community with a rich golf heritage.

What's Next for LIV Golf?

With the future of LIV Golf hanging in the balance, the league's leadership faces critical decisions. The potential liquidation of assets could signify the end of an era for the organization. As LIV Golf seeks to navigate these turbulent waters, it must consider its next steps carefully.

While BC Partners Credit's withdrawal from LIV 2.0 is a significant blow, the league's leadership may explore alternative funding sources or partnerships. However, attracting players to a restructured league will require a compelling vision and robust player support.

As LIV Golf's bankruptcy proceedings unfold, the golf world will be watching closely. The outcome of these proceedings will not only affect the league but also set precedents for how professional golf operates moving forward. Will LIV Golf find a way to reinvent itself, or will it fade into the annals of sports history?

In the meantime, the PGA Tour and European Tour are poised to capitalize on this uncertainty. They may seek to strengthen their relationships with players who are now reconsidering their options. The future of golf is at a crossroads, and only time will tell which direction it will take. The implications for players, fans, and the sport as a whole are profound, and the community of Atherton, along with golf enthusiasts worldwide, will be keenly observing how this situation unfolds.