Jon Rahm set to quit LIV Golf after ‘unacceptable’ contract terms revealed

Jon Rahm is set to leave LIV Golf after deeming the proposed terms for the league’s next phase “unacceptable”, according to his lawyer.

The update comes after months of speculation over Rahm’s future, with persistent rumours suggesting the Spaniard could walk away as LIV attempts to restructure ahead of its proposed 2027 season.

Rahm’s lawyer, John Beck, told a US bankruptcy court hearing that the 31-year-old had independently reviewed the terms for LIV 2.0 before deciding they did not work for him.

According to remarks reported by Front Office Sports' David Rumsey, Beck said: “(Jon) has independently reviewed the proposed terms of LIV 2.0... and has determined that those terms are unacceptable to him, and he will be not be participating going forward.”

LIV and Rahm’s representatives are now in advanced discussions over a consensual separation agreement, with the hope of finalising a deal before a further court hearing on November 5.

Rahm’s exit will represent a major blow for LIV Golf.

The Spaniard was arguably the league’s biggest signing when he left the PGA Tour in December 2023 for a reported $350m deal.

Recent reports suggest Rahm was still owed in the region of $150m of his deal. 

He has proven one of the league's leading players, winning three consecutive LIV Golf Individual Championships and helping establish Legion XIII as one of the strongest teams on the circuit. 

Rahm’s departure could also now set a ripple effect of departures through the league. 

It is anticipated that his Legion XIII and Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton could also leave LIV, although there has been no confirmation that Hatton has made a final decision.

The pair have been closely linked since Rahm joined the league, with Hatton becoming a key member of Legion XIII and partnering Rahm at Ryder Cup matches. 

Losing both players would be a significant setback for LIV 2.0 as it attempts to reshape itself for the next stage of its existence.

The league filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States in September after the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) withdrew its multibillion-dollar funding after five years. 

LIV is now attempting to establish a new model, with BC Partners Credit providing a potential $300 million financing package as the league looks to move forward and prepare for its proposed 2027 season.

The investment could provide LIV with an important financial lifeline, but Rahm’s decision creates further uncertainty around the league’s player structure.

For Rahm, the next question is where he plays the majority of his golf in 2027.

That remains unclear, but a return to the DP World Tour would appear to be one of the most logical options available to him if he ultimately wants to return to the PGA Tour.

Under the current rules, LIV players seeking to return to the PGA Tour must serve a 12-month suspension before becoming eligible to compete again.

Patrick Reed has recently completed that process.

The American has been competing on the DP World Tour and currently leads the Race to Dubai, having served his 12-month suspension.

Rahm could therefore follow a similar route, using the DP World Tour as a competitive base while waiting to become eligible for a potential PGA Tour return.

Such a move would be a major boost for the DP World Tour, with Rahm remaining one of the biggest names in European golf.

There is still reportedly work to be done before his LIV departure becomes official.

LIV and Rahm’s representatives are continuing discussions over a separation agreement, while the league has been given until October 25 to negotiate with players over their futures.

After months of rumours surrounding his future, Rahm really is now heading for the exit door.