LIV reportedly has the player support it needs for LIV 2.0

A significant number of players have committed to the proposed new version of LIV Golf, putting the league comfortably above the threshold needed to secure its future funding, according to a Golf Channel report citing industry sources that Golfmagic relayed on Sunday. LIV has not confirmed the report and no players have been named.

LIV filed for Chapter 11 on 8 September, with liabilities estimated at between $500 million and $1 billion. Golfmagic reports that at least $45 million of that is owed to current and former players. The rescue plan rests on investment from BC Partners and a new model in which players hold equity in the league instead of collecting the huge guaranteed contracts of the past.

The deal sets two tests for 13 October. At least half of the players with financial claims against LIV must commit, and between them they must hold at least two-thirds of the total value of player claims, so LIV needs the players who are owed the most. Golf Channel’s sources say both boxes are ticked, at least verbally. There are eight days left to turn those commitments into signatures.

Some of LIV’s biggest names have not signed. Sergio Garcia has asked the bankruptcy court to terminate his contract. Cameron Smith said at St Andrews last week that he needed more answers before deciding. Bryson DeChambeau was described as still weighing his options as recently as Sunday. Joaquin Niemann, captain of Torque GC, spent his weekend winning his national open in Chile and has not publicly committed either.

Kooyonga Golf Club, booked to host LIV Adelaide in March 2027, says it has not been paid its hosting fee, and Judge Michael Kaplan is due to rule on its position on 22 October, according to GOLF.com.

The next court date is Wednesday 7 October, a week before the commitment deadline. LIV chief executive Scott O’Neil has outlined a slimmed-down 2027 season of ten events (five team events and five individual tournaments), according to Golfmagic.

Sources

• Golfmagic: Report: LIV Golf secure enough player support for 2027 plans
• GOLF.com: LIV Golf’s future is already battling its past
• Golf Channel: Sergio Garcia files to terminate contract with LIV Golf
• The Star: DeChambeau yet to commit
• Golf Monthly: Joaquin Niemann claims home open title for the first time