LIV Golf’s latest bankruptcy hearing offers key future timeline, raises ‘concerns’

The future of LIV Golf now has a definitive timeline. During a Chapter 11 bankruptcy hearing on Wednesday, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Michael B. Kaplan questioned LIV Golf’s legal team regarding the decision to either wind down operations or move forward with a “2.0” version. Robert Fitzgerald, counsel for LIV, stated that they anticipate this decision will be finalized by the end of October. The court approved a restructuring support agreement (RSA) between LIV Golf and BC Partners Global, a critical move for the league’s survival following the loss of funding from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). The deal includes $300 million in financing and creates a new ownership structure where players hold 52.5 percent, BC Partners and investors hold 45 percent, and management holds 2.5 percent. Additionally, the court approved the motion to reject existing contracts for 19 golfers, including Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson, citing that these deals do not align with the new structure. Tensions also flared regarding the DP World Tour, as LIV’s legal team accused CEO Guy Kinnings of player interference following his comments that the European circuit would ban those competing in LIV 2.0. Fitzgerald described this as an anti-competitive move aimed at forcing players into a “false choice.” Judge Kaplan noted that these comments do indeed “raise concerns.” With Jon Rahm and several other high-profile players already opting out, the October 25 deadline remains a pivotal moment for determining if the league has secured enough commitments to continue as a viable entity.