LIV Golf boss delivers telling response on Bryson DeChambeau as Jon Rahm rumours swirl

Scott O’Neil refused to discuss the futures of LIV Golf’s biggest stars as the league prepares for a crucial offseason, insisting that “individual player questions” should be left to the players themselves.

LIV Golf’s CEO was speaking ahead of this week’s season finale in Indianapolis, with significant uncertainty surrounding the league’s future and growing speculation over the positions of stars including Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.

O’Neil was not specifically asked about Rahm, despite the heavy social media rumours surrounding the Spaniard’s future at LIV Golf. 

However, his response when questioned about DeChambeau offered an intriguing insight into the league’s approach to player futures.

“I'll leave all individual player questions to individual players,” said O'Neil, 

He then spoke at length about DeChambeau’s importance to LIV and his involvement in discussions surrounding the league’s next chapter, but stopped short of confirming whether the two-time major champion will remain with the organisation.

“I have a lot of time for Bryson. I talk to him quite a bit,” O’Neil continued.

“Having spent 30 years in this business of sports, spending time with professional athletes for most of it, I've never met one who's truly, truly -- not what they say but what they do, truly focused and be mission driven, and he's one of those guys.

“He cares about the global game of golf. He cares about building this next generation of fans.

“I don't think anybody works harder on or off the course than -- I'm sure there's somebody; I just haven't seen it.

“Bryson has become a good friend, a good advocate of the league. I certainly hope he's with us for the future. He's been extremely supportive, as I can say most of the big guys have been.”

O'Neil's wording was significant.

Rather than confirming DeChambeau’s involvement in LIV Golf’s proposed next era, O’Neil could only say that he “certainly hope[s]” the American will remain.

DeChambeau will become a free agent following this week’s tournament and has played an important role in LIV’s efforts to present its vision for the future to prospective investors.

That future remains far from certain.

O’Neil has repeatedly talked up the concept of “LIV 2.0”, which is likely to involve a shorter schedule, smaller prize purses and greater player involvement in the ownership and commercial operation of the league.

He said the next chapter could be “fundamentally different”, with players potentially becoming majority owners and gaining equity in the teams and league they are helping to build.

Yet, once again, O’Neil offered few concrete details when pressed. 

LIV’s reported new lead investor has still not been officially named, although BC Partners is widely believed to be the organisation involved. 

O’Neil also declined to provide a deadline for completing an investment agreement and would not rule out any potential outcome for LIV’s future.

His optimism, however, remained unwavering.

“I’m blessed with hope and optimism,” O’Neil said when asked about doubts over whether LIV will make it into 2027.

O'Neil's latest comments come during a particularly difficult period for the breakaway league, who will no longer be funded by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) past this season. 

LIV’s scheduled team championship in Michigan was officially called off just two days before the Indianapolis event, making this week’s tournament the de facto season finale.

The league is also facing another lawsuit, this time from Denver-based media production company Fresh Tape Media, which claims LIV failed to pay eight invoices connected to its LIV Golf Week 2026 preseason event in Florida.

The company is seeking more than $1.23 million, including interest.

O’Neil addressed the dispute and said LIV was working to resolve the situation.

“I come from a family of entrepreneurs, a family of small business entrepreneurs and know the challenge that that is,” he said.

“So what I would say to them is we're doing everything we can to make sure we can do right by them and the work they committed, and I hope we can. For the next generation, it will certainly be a different business with a different process.”

For now, however, the biggest questions remain unanswered.

O’Neil has made it clear that he wants LIV Golf to move into a new era, and his comments suggest DeChambeau remains closely involved in shaping that vision.

But whether DeChambeau will actually be part of it — and what happens with Rahm — still remains unclear.