LIV Golf players free to leave after bankruptcy protection filing
LIV Golf has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following the withdrawal of funding from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The move allows the league to restructure and releases all players from their existing contracts, creating uncertainty regarding the future of the tour.
Why it matters
This marks a significant collapse of a major disruptor in professional sports, potentially reshaping the landscape of professional golf and player contract structures.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, LIV Golf was founded in 2021, with its first season taking place the following year
Sports News correspondent Published 8 September 2026, 21:27 BST Updated 1 minute ago LIV Golf has filed for bankruptcy protection as it attempts to restructure after Saudi Arabia withdrew its multibillion-dollar funding - a move that means all its players are free to leave.
A Chapter 11 petition, which LIV says is to "preserve the company's business", was filed in the United States on Tuesday.
The breakaway league says it has found a new investor in BC Partners, following the decision in April by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) to pull its funding.
LIV Golf intends to commence its new majority player-owned league early next year and it is understood the Chapter 11 process allows it to start talking to players about their participation in LIV's future.
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