Bryson DeChambeau makes major LIV Golf announcement before season start

Bryson DeChambeau has confirmed that negotiations over a contract extension with LIV Golf are progressing, strongly indicating that he expects to remain with the Saudi-backed league beyond the end of his current deal in 2026.

Speaking ahead of the LIV Golf season opener in Riyadh this week, DeChambeau addressed growing speculation surrounding his future, which has intensified following the recent departures of Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed from the breakaway circuit.

Despite reports suggesting the two-time US Open champion is seeking a lucrative $500m multi-year extension, DeChambeau said talks with LIV Golf officials are moving in a positive direction and remain focused on long-term alignment.

“Yeah, there has been progress made,” DeChambeau told Mirror Sports US. “We, again, are in negotiations and I want what's best for the game of golf and for the league, ultimately.

“We just have to continue to align and, like I said from day one, if we can get to an alignment point, there's no doubt that I'll be here next year. We just have to get there.”

Scroll down to watch Bryson DeChambeau's latest interview in full..

DeChambeau, 32, has been linked with a potential return to the PGA Tour or an increased focus on his hugely popular YouTube channel should an agreement not be reached. 

However, he has remained guarded when discussing his contractual demands and insists the decisions of other players have not influenced his thinking.

“Everybody has their own decisions to make for whatever reasons they are,” he said.

“I'm currently focused on what I'm trying to deliver to LIV Golf and to the golf ecosystem. However it shakes out, it's going to shake out.

“This year is going to be a good year of golf for me. Very excited for the future of that competitively here at LIV Golf. With the majors, I love the golf courses this year and I need to be ready to go for those tournaments. I'm excited.”

The Crushers GC captain will begin his fifth season with LIV Golf in Riyadh, with his on-course performances set to be closely watched amid continued uncertainty over the long-term landscape of men’s professional golf.

Further down the agenda this week, DeChambeau also reacted to LIV Golf finally receiving Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points for the first time since the league launched in 2022. 

Under the new structure, only the top 10 finishers in each LIV event consisting 57 players will be awarded ranking points.

• LIV Golf fuming with OWGR decision

While the limited allocation has left some LIV players frustrated, DeChambeau welcomed the fact the league will no longer be completely excluded from the rankings system.

“I am trying to understand what it means and how it all shakes out,” DeChambeau said. 

“I had no idea how they were going to handle it. I didn't know if we were going to get points, but at least we're getting points right.”

DeChambeau tees up in his first tournament of the season this week ranked 33rd in the OWGR. His career best is fourth, something he achieved in May 2021. 

Watch Bryson's comments in full here: