2025 was a disappointing season for LIV Golf.
As the PGA Tour thrived with impressive viewership numbers and on-course success, LIV endured significant challenges in comparison.
On the course, all four major championship winners were PGA Tour players, as Scottie Scheffler dominated 2025, Rory McIlroy won The Masters, and J.J. Spaun pulled off an underdog US Open win.
Meanwhile, only three LIV players played at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. And away from the course, LIV Golf’s financial outlook appears to be bleak. The tour reported $461.8 million in losses for 2024.
All of this has led to speculation that players may seek a return to the PGA Tour from LIV. However, LIV has had reason to celebrate in recent weeks. Dustin Johnson re-signed, and reports suggest that their biggest star, Bryson DeChambeau, is looking to renew his contract early.
He is out of contract at the end of 2026, but insiders have said the superstar is hoping to renew his deal before the start of the new season in February. That is the best news possible for LIV.
Bryson DeChambeau re-signing is the best possible move for LIV Golf
DeChambeau has ascended to golfing superstardom after his move to LIV Golf.
Keegan Bradley had Bryson DeChambeau tee off first at the Ryder Cup, hoping to capitalize on the fervent following he brought with him to New York.
His march down the first fairway was reminiscent of George Washington crossing the Delaware, his driver raised high above his head, backdropped by a river of American flags waving in support.
If it wasn’t before, it became blatantly apparent to all that DeChambeau was the emotional and spiritual leader of Team USA. He has connected with the younger audience in a way that no other professional golfer has, and it was seen in the stands at Bethpage Black.
That’s powerful for LIV Golf. While the PGA Tour has historic golf courses such as Pebble Beach and iconic tournaments like The Players Championship, LIV has stars.
As long as DeChambeau is with LIV, his fans will pay attention. That creates a baseline following for the tour through the signing of just one player.
But this is a symbiotic relationship, and LIV Golf has allowed DeChambeau to build his platform.
How LIV Golf has allowed Bryson DeChambeau to become a superstar
Beyond the eye-popping money that comes with being a star on LIV Golf, the tour offers players the opportunity to grow their brand worldwide.
As McIlroy and Scheffler tee it up in America every week, DeChambeau played in four continents, building support and a following around the globe. In addition, LIV Golf encourages its players to showcase their personalities to fans.
It’s no coincidence that professional golf’s two biggest YouTube stars, Phil Mickelson and DeChambeau, are two of the most passionate supporters of the tour. It provides them with an environment that can grow their off-course following.
On the PGA Tour, golf comes first. It represents tradition, and no player is bigger than those traditions. But on LIV, it’s about the stars, and they don’t come much bigger than DeChambeau.
He’s now the face of LIV, and perhaps the face of American golf. If LIV Golf has worked for anyone, it’s DeChambeau.
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