Jon Rahm reaches separation agreement with LIV Golf, surrenders rest of $300 million-plus contract
Scott Taetsch/PGA of America
Jon Rahm and LIV Golf have reached a separation agreement.
During a legal hearing last week regarding the LIV’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, Rahm’s lawyer informed a New Jersey judge that his client had reviewed the proposals for “LIV 2.0” and had no interest in being part of the league’s next iteration. The move, though widely expected, officially put in motion the two-time major winner’s exit from the former Saudi-backed circuit. However, Rahm was LIV’s largest unsecured creditor with $7.5 million owed. That figure is just off a specific quarter from 2026; in reality, LIV still was on the hook for nine figures towards Rahm’s deal he signed when he defected to LIV in December 2023.
But, as part of Rahm’s wish to leave the league, he is releasing all claims on money owed. In exchange Rahm receives control over his own name, image and likeness, according to court records, including the nickname "Rahmbo" and "Legion XIII," the name of his LIV Golf team. The agreement still has to be approved by a judge next month.
The deal will end Rahm’s three-year tenure with LIV Golf. The 31-year-old had repeatedly denied interest in the league when it launched in 2022, at one point declaring his “fealty” to the PGA Tour and saying he did not need the money. However, in the weeks following the 2023 Ryder Cup he signed a multiyear contract worth a reported $350 million. His move came as the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which financed LIV, were negotiating a potential agreement.
Rahm won four LIV events and captured the season-long individual title in each of his three years with the league. His major championship results were more limited during that stretch. Before joining LIV, Rahm won the 2021 U.S. Open and 2023 Masters and recorded 12 top-10 finishes in majors. Since joining, his best finishes were a runner-up at this year’s PGA Championship at Aronimink and a tie for eighth at the 2025 PGA at Quail Hollow.
Rahm’s next step remains uncertain. In early 2026, the PGA Tour offered a returning-member exemption to LIV players who had won a major since 2022, a group that included Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Cameron Smith. Only Koepka accepted. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has repeatedly said the tour will not reopen that pathway. He also said he would not discuss a return with any player who is contractually obligated to LIV, a hurdle that Rahm has now removed.
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Rahm remains a member of the DP World Tour. After challenging fines imposed for competing in LIV events, he reached an agreement with the European circuit that required him to play five tournaments this year to retain his membership. He is scheduled to return next month in the Middle East.
Rahm joins Koepka in leaving LIV, while DeChambeau—who was let out of his contract this week—remains publicly invested in the league. Last week, LIV’s new investor made an initial payment toward a $4 million commitment to the future of the circuit, but his week lawyers said they expected to know by the end of the month whether LIV would move forward.