Bryson DeChambeau contract update emerges after Jon Rahm's LIV Golf exit

Bryson DeChambeau's LIV Golf future has come under fresh scrutiny after Jon Rahm confirmed his decision to walk away from the league.

DeChambeau is now arguably the biggest remaining name LIV Golf will be desperate to keep hold of as it prepares to enter a new era in 2027.

While his multi-year LIV contract expires at the end of 2026, DeChambeau remains legally tied to the breakaway league.

The 33-year-old American has not indicated that he intends to leave, but his lawyers were among those seeking clarity over player contracts during a court hearing on Wednesday.

The development came on the same day that Rahm confirmed he will play no part in LIV's future.

Rahm joined LIV in a blockbuster $350m move at the end of 2023, but after weeks of speculation, his lawyer confirmed on Wednesday that the 31-year-old Spaniard will not continue with the league.

His departure now leaves LIV without one of its biggest stars and puts even greater importance on retaining DeChambeau.

DeChambeau contract situation

The latest update came from Front Office Sports' David Rumsey, who reported that lawyers representing DeChambeau, Cam Smith, Ben An, Marc Leishman, Cameron Tringale, Matthew Wolff and Harold Varner III have all sought further clarity over their contracts.

The issue arose after Sergio Garcia successfully sought to terminate his LIV contract.

Garcia, the 2017 Masters champion and Fireballs GC captain, is now effectively a free agent after raising concerns about the impact of his LIV status on other playing and sponsorship opportunities.

LIV has been granted permission to reject certain executory contracts, including player participation agreements, but the process will take time to complete.

The league's lawyers were unable to provide a definitive answer to the players' questions on Wednesday, with the matter set to return to court on October 14.

Attorney Michael Cooley, who represents former Open champion Smith and other players, argued that rejecting the existing contracts should allow players to discuss their future plans with third parties.

For DeChambeau, that could be significant given that his current agreement is already approaching its expiry.

However, Wednesday's development should not be interpreted as confirmation that he is leaving LIV.

More LIV stars could follow Rahm

There are also growing fears that Rahm's departure could trigger further exits from the LIV roster.

Joaquin Niemann, who has served as captain of Torque GC since joining LIV, and Tyrrell Hatton are both among the players whose futures are now being closely watched.

Niemann is a record nine-time winner on LIV, while Hatton shares a close connection to Rahm as both Legion XIII and Ryder Cup teammates.  

Neither Niemann nor Hatton has announced that they intend to leave LIV, meaning any suggestion that they will follow Rahm out of the league remains speculation for now.

Nevertheless, the possibility of further departures only increases the pressure on LIV to retain its remaining marquee names.

Why DeChambeau is so important to LIV

DeChambeau is now without question the most important player for LIV to retain.

There are still plenty of major names on the roster, including the likes of former World No.1 and two-time major champion Dustin Johnson, but DeChambeau has become LIV's most recognisable player. 

His two U.S. Open victories give him obvious major pedigree, while his hugely popular YouTube channel and 'Break 50' series has helped him reach an audience far beyond the traditional golf fanbase.

That makes him particularly valuable as LIV attempts to establish itself under a new financial structure.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is no longer funding the league after five years, with LIV now working with BC Partners Credit as part of its next phase.

BC Partners this week committed to an initial investment in LIV as part of a targeted $300 million financing package, with players expected to receive equity in the league and their teams.

But LIV's biggest challenge may now be keeping its current players on board.

It is also worth remembering that the PIF pumped more than $5 billion into LIV across its first five seasons.

With reduced prize purses, less money available and fewer tournaments on the schedule, it remains to be seen whether LIV's current players will want to stick around for the league's new 2.0 era – or decide it is time to move on.

Rahm exit adds to LIV uncertainty

Rahm is the first major LIV star to confirm that he will not be part of the league's next era.

Adrian Meronk, meanwhile, has also indicated that he has no interest in continuing with LIV 2.0 after winning his first DP World Tour title at St Andrews on Sunday.

That leaves LIV facing a difficult question: can its new era succeed if some of its best players no longer want to be involved?

• LIV Golf veteran confirms he's already made up his mind on 2.0

DeChambeau's position is therefore crucial.

The Crushers GC captain has built a significant profile since joining LIV, but his contract situation means he has a decision to make at precisely the time the league is undergoing its biggest change.

Garcia also has options

Garcia's decision to terminate his LIV contract early has further highlighted the uncertainty.

The 46-year-old Spaniard has already confirmed he intends to play on the DP World Tour in 2027 as he targets an 11th appearance on Europe's Ryder Cup team at Adare Manor in Ireland next September. 

The record Ryder Cup points scorer has not completely ruled out continuing with LIV, but much will depend on how a potential split schedule would work.

“I don’t really know how things will play out with the DP World Tour regarding LIV 2.0,” Garcia said.

“We’ll have to wait and see. That doesn’t mean I won’t go or that I’ll definitely stay with LIV. I do what I believe is best for myself, my family and my team.”

For now, DeChambeau remains a LIV player.

But with his contract nearing its end, Rahm officially out of the picture and questions now surrounding several other big names, the spotlight has firmly turned towards the man who could hold the key to unlocking LIV's 2.0 era.

The next court hearing on October 14 will likely provide further clarity over the players' contracts.