LIV Golf Declares Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Accumulating Over $500M in Debt
Saudi-backed LIV Golf has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of New Jersey. The company lists liabilities between $500 million and $1 billion, and assets ranging from $100 million to $500 million. This filing signifies a significant downfall for the breakaway league that previously disrupted the professional golf world by enticing top stars away from the PGA Tour with hefty paychecks.
The downfall ensued after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) — which had invested over $5 billion into LIV — withdrew its financial support following the 2026 season. LIV’s final event was held in Indianapolis in late August, a week ahead of schedule, after the planned Michigan finale was cancelled.
The league’s top unsecured creditors include star players who are owed back pay. These include:
- Jon Rahm ($7.5M)
- Bryson DeChambeau ($5.7M)
- Dustin Johnson ($5.5M)
- Cameron Smith ($4.8M)
LIV has entered a restructuring agreement with the London-based private equity firm BC Partners. The plan is to re-emerge as a player-majority-owned league in 2027. CEO Scott O’Neil has described this as “the next chapter of LIV Golf.”
Source: ESPN – LIV Golf Officially Files for Bankruptcy Protection