Rory McIlroy predicts exodus from LIV Golf amid bankruptcy proceedings
Rory McIlroy believes LIV Golf could lose several of its biggest names after the crisis-hit breakaway circuit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States, reports BritPanorama.
The Northern Irishman anticipates that players may start contemplating leaving LIV following the financial challenges highlighted in court documents filed in New Jersey.
McIlroy suggested that the bankruptcy proceedings might allow some golfers to escape their long-term agreements, although the contractual situations of individual players could differ. Speaking ahead of the Irish Open, the six-time major champion stated that the circuit’s current reality is far less enticing than the lavish offers initially extended to recruits.
“I’m not in their shoes but LIV at the start looked a lot more attractive than what LIV 2.0 might be from a financial standpoint,” McIlroy said. He predicted that some players might choose to leave now that they might be free, as contracts could have been breached due to the bankruptcy filing. “I think that means other tours have decisions to make. And obviously there’s a lot of players on LIV that can strengthen golf tournaments and make them more competitive. So I would see that as a good thing for the DP World Tour.”
Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton are reportedly considering their futures after the withdrawal of Saudi financial support. Both players retained their DP World Tour memberships after joining LIV before the 2024 season, potentially providing a straightforward path back to competition in Europe.
In contrast, a return to the PGA Tour could be more complex, as existing regulations require LIV players to wait 12 months after their last appearance on the breakaway tour before competing in the United States. Bryson DeChambeau has indicated publicly that he wishes to remain with LIV despite the surrounding uncertainty.
Players opting to stay may be offered equity in the league, though they would compete on a significantly reduced schedule with sharply lower prize money. LIV Golf hopes to stage a 2027 season after reaching an agreement in principle with private equity firm BC Partners, although this season would reportedly consist of only 10 tournaments, with individual prize funds dropping from $30 million to between $7 million and $10 million.
The bankruptcy documents reveal the extent of the crisis, listing several prominent golfers among the circuit’s unsecured creditors. Rahm is reportedly owed $7.5 million for the third quarter of 2026, while DeChambeau has a claim of $5.8 million. Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, and Adrian Meronk are each owed more than $4 million, with Hatton’s outstanding claim around $3.4 million. These figures do not account for the larger sums potentially remaining on longer-term contracts, notably Rahm’s total agreement, believed to be worth a nine-figure sum.
LIV’s operations have already been significantly curtailed, with most staff reportedly made redundant last month. McIlroy expects that mainstream tours will face substantial decisions if elite players begin exploring options beyond LIV.
In golf, as across sports, the balancing act between financial incentives and competitive integrity grows ever more precarious. The fallout from LIV Golf’s predicament may shape not only individual careers but also the landscape of professional golf itself.
