LONDON — LIV Golf 2.0 is facing crunch time with a 25 October deadline for chief executive Scott O'Neil to secure enough players to finalise an investment deal with BC Partners, although there is provision for that date to be extended. The proposed new league will feature a 10-event schedule, and its financial future hinges on how many players agree to stay on. Jon Rahm has announced he will not take part, while veteran Richard Bland is the only player to officially confirm he will sign up.
Rahm's decision is a blow that LIV officials were expecting, while the league's hopes are now pinned to Bryson DeChambeau, who has been heavily involved and a vocal supporter throughout. DeChambeau is reportedly looking to play more on the DP World Tour next season, which may sit alongside the 10-event LIV 2.0 calendar, though definitive news is awaited. Elsewhere, Rahm's fellow Spaniard David Puig and Poland's Adrian Meronk are reportedly out, with both holding full DP World Tour cards helping to make the decision easier, while Bland — a two-time senior Major winner — said he has "nowhere else to play" apart from the Legends Tour, US Senior Open and Senior PGA Championship.
Sergio Garcia was the first to have his contract terminated to ensure he is a free agent able to speak to any interested party about his future. Garcia has left the door open to LIV, but after voicing his intention to play on the DP World Tour and his desire to make the European Ryder Cup team he appears to be edging towards a no, with his role as Fireballs GC captain and close friendship with Puig also a hint. Joaquin Niemann has voiced uncertainty over LIV 2.0, while Cameron Smith, Byeong-hun An, Marc Leishman, Cameron Tringale and Matthew Wolff have all had lawyers in bankruptcy court seeking to have their contracts terminated in a similar manner to Garcia — a move that keeps options open rather than confirming an exit.
Rahm's departure casts doubt over the rest of his Legion XIII squad. Tyrrell Hatton struck a deal to play on the DP World Tour this season and, with the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor next year, it would make sense if he followed Rahm's lead, while Tom McKibbin — who also signed a DP World Tour deal this season — will have an eye on a home Ryder Cup. Caleb Surratt, who joined LIV from college and has only known professional life on the team tour, may weigh that familiarity more heavily when decision time comes.
With time ticking and few firm commitments beyond Bland, fears over the future will grow unless O'Neil can secure the required roster before the deadline. The league will update its lists as confirmations arrive, with Bland currently the sole name in the 'in' column and Rahm, Meronk and Puig listed as out.