LIV Golfers Seek Severance Amid Bankruptcy Proceedings
Over 10 professional golfers are demanding more than $100 million in unpaid contract settlements from the Public Investment Fund.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Golf
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More than 10 LIV Golf players are negotiating for over $100 million in unpaid contract claims following the league's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in September 2026. Players are currently refusing to sign commitment agreements for the proposed LIV 2.0 season until these outstanding financial obligations are addressed.
Why it matters
The golfers argue they made career-altering decisions based on original promises from the Public Investment Fund, which ceased funding the league in April 2026. The dispute has created a standoff as players hold out on signing new agreements ahead of the planned 2027 season.
Professional players represent seven of the top unsecured creditors in the bankruptcy case, with 14 players appearing among the top 30. Executives received $15.6 million in retention bonuses, including $6.375 million paid to CEO Scott O'Neil.
The players
Dustin Johnson
He is a prominent professional golfer who is among the group seeking severance payments from the Public Investment Fund.
Public Investment Fund
This is the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia that previously provided the primary financial backing for LIV Golf.
Scott O'Neil
He is the CEO of LIV Golf who reportedly received a retention bonus of $6.375 million shortly before the company filed for bankruptcy.
David Cornwell
He is an attorney who represents the group of professional golfers currently negotiating their contract settlements.
Jon Rahm
He is a professional golfer who announced his departure from the league in October 2026.
The details
Represented by David Cornwell, the group of players is pushing for compensation after the Public Investment Fund reportedly offered only 2 cents on the dollar. The legal process is expected to handle these claims as the league attempts to reorganize into a 10-event circuit for 2027.
Timeline
April 2026: The Public Investment Fund ceased funding LIV Golf.
September 2026: LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
October 2026: Jon Rahm announced his departure from the league.
October 25, 2026: Deadline for player commitments to the LIV 2.0 iteration.
2027: LIV Golf expects to host its 2.0 season.
Season Trajectory
The league is using the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process to attempt a reorganization while facing significant legal challenges from its former player base. This restructuring effort remains the primary hurdle for the proposed 2027 season, which intends to host 10 events, including five in the United States.
Players currently hold a critical leverage point in the league's survival, as the failure to reach settlement agreements threatens the roster depth required for the 2027 circuit. The financial outcome of these creditor claims will directly determine the professional viability of the planned 10-event schedule.
The takeaway
The ongoing bankruptcy proceedings highlight the high financial stakes involved when professional athletes pivot to new leagues. Players should remain cautious of the volatility inherent in emerging sports ventures when contract security is not guaranteed by long-term financial commitments.
Further reading
For more updates on professional tours, visit the Golf section.
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