LIV Golf's next big move? Shock chairman report emerges amid LIV 2.0 uncertainty

Mark King has reportedly emerged as a potential senior advisor to LIV Golf, with the former TaylorMade chief executive potentially in line to become chairman if the circuit's proposed LIV 2.0 relaunch goes ahead.

According to Sports Business Journal's Josh Carpenter, LIV Golf is expected to bring King on board in an advisory capacity, with plans for him to assemble an advisory board should the new structure become reality.

"Here’s one to watch: LIV is expected to hire former TaylorMade President and CEO Mark King as a senior advisor," Carpenter posted on X. 

"Should LIV 2.0 launch, King would become chairman of and assemble its advisory board."

However, the potential appointment remains unconfirmed, with the future of LIV Golf itself still a significant unknown.

King is currently interim CEO of Jack in the Box and previously served as chief executive of Taco Bell between 2019 and 2023. 

He is also a familiar name in the golf industry, having overseen significant sales growth at TaylorMade before becoming president of Adidas North America.

His experience in golf equipment extends beyond TaylorMade, too. In August 2018, King joined Honma Golf as a strategic advisor and consultant, helping guide the Japanese brand's expansion into the North American market.

That background could make King an intriguing candidate for a senior position at LIV Golf, should the proposed LIV 2.0 structure come to fruition.

King previously linked with LIV Golf chief executive role

It is not the first time King has been linked with a senior position at the breakaway circuit.

In November 2022, The Telegraph reported that LIV Golf was targeting King for its chief executive role, potentially allowing then-chief executive Greg Norman to move into a more senior, less hands-on position.

Reports at the time suggested King had attended several LIV Golf events and met with Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan.

However, LIV Golf and its leadership, including then-managing director Majed Al Sorour, swiftly rejected suggestions that Norman's role or title was about to change.

Norman ultimately remained in charge until Scott O'Neil replaced him ahead of the 2025 season.

LIV 2.0 faces major questions over future

King's reported involvement comes at a critical juncture for LIV Golf, which is attempting to reshape its business following the withdrawal of PIF's funding.

Following LIV's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in September 2026, the league received a potential financial lifeline from BC Partners Credit, which has pledged up to $300 million in loans and investments to support its restructuring and proposed return for 2027.

The planned LIV 2.0 model would represent a significant departure from the league's original funding structure, with players moving towards equity ownership in both the league and their individual teams.

The proposed changes also include reduced individual prize purses of around $9 million, down from $20 million, and a greater emphasis on team competition across at least 10 tournaments.

Whether the restructured circuit can successfully launch, however, remains unclear.

LIV Golf also faces player exodus

The league's uncertainty has been compounded by the departure of many prominent players.

Jon Rahm is among the biggest names to have confirmed his exit, alongside his Legion XIII teammates Tyrrell Hatton and Tom McKibbin. 

Thomas Pieters, David Puig, Charles Howell III, Adrian Meronk, Lucas Herbert, Louis Oosthuizen and Ian Poulter have also been listed among those leaving, and a number of other big names including the likes of Joaquin Niemann and Sergio Garcia are expected to depart too. 

Bryson DeChambeau, meanwhile, is understood to be keen to remain with LIV Golf, alongside players including Richard Bland and Cameron Tringale.

With all due respect to those still weighing up their futures, however, it is DeChambeau who could prove pivotal to LIV Golf's survival. 

His star power, commercial appeal and ability to attract attention make him arguably the circuit's most important player as it attempts to navigate its uncertain new era.

Retaining established stars will be crucial if the league is to maintain its appeal, while attracting new talent could prove equally challenging amid the financial and structural changes.

The timing of Carpenter's report is particularly notable, arriving just a day before players were required to decide whether to commit to LIV Golf's proposed next chapter.

For King, a potential chairman's role would represent another major leadership position, bringing together his experience in golf equipment, retail and the restaurant industry.

His previous work with TaylorMade and Honma Golf would also give him direct experience of the golf equipment market and the challenges of expanding a golf brand internationally.

But there are two major questions still to be answered: whether LIV 2.0 will actually launch as planned, and whether King will ultimately take a leading role in its future.

For now, both remain uncertain, with further clarity expected in the coming weeks.