LIV Golf appear to be approaching a defining period in their history following the news that Brooks Koepka has left the league ahead of the 2026 season.
Brooks Koepka became the first big name to leave LIV Golf before his contract had expired. It was always inevitable that a star player would look for a way out at some stage. But there is no question that LIV are now under huge pressure.
Is this the end of LIV Golf?
With little sign of any marquee signings, LIV’s best move this winter would surely now be to agree a contract extension with Bryson DeChambeau.
DeChambeau remains LIV’s biggest star. So it could be fatal for the league if the Crushers captain decides against extending his contract.
LIV Golf now have to break the bank to ensure that Bryson DeChambeau stays
There is little reason to think that DeChambeau will follow Koepka out of the exit door anytime soon. Speaking to Flushing It this month, the 32-year-old suggested that talks are continuing over a new deal.
“I mean, look, it’s confidential. I’m not going to share too much, but the conversations are in process. We have to get to a place where both parties have a good understanding of one another. It is getting to a place that makes sense for both sides,” he said.
“And, I think that can happen, but you never know. Life throws curve balls and, obviously, we saw what happened today [Brooks Koepka leaving LIV Golf] and that was quite a shock to a lot of people and something that, you know, it is what it is.”
What should perhaps concern LIV and the league’s fans are the comments DeChambeau made at the US Open earlier this year when he was asked about his contract situation.
“Yeah, how do I phrase this? Yeah, next year is when [my contract] ends. We’re looking to negotiate end of this year, and I’m very excited. They see the value in me. I see the value in what they can provide, and I believe we’ll come to some sort of resolution on that. Super excited for the future,” he said.
“I think that LIV is not going anywhere. HE has been steadfast in his belief on team golf, and whether everybody believes in it or not, I think it’s a viable option. I think it’s a viable commercial option. Our team has been EBIDTA positive for the past two years, so we’re starting to grow and move in the right direction, just like TGL.”
There is no question at all that DeChambeau sounded a lot more certain about his future at Oakmont.
Bryson DeChambeau appears to be leaving the door open on his future
Obviously, DeChambeau’s latest comments may be a power play. He holds all the cards and can demand the best possible deal from LIV as losing another of their stars is simply not an option.
However, DeChambeau will not need anyone to tell him how Koepka’s departure looks for LIV. Regardless of his form, Koepka leaving is significant – particularly as there are no guarantees that he will be able to play on the PGA Tour in 2026.
Oddly, one of the big problems LIV have had has been the unity among their players. Rivalry between teams has not built because they have all been pulling in the same direction and trying to make LIV as successful as possible.
So for DeChambeau to arguably sound less certain about his LIV future than he has ever done before could be telling. He had an opportunity to shut down all speculation and hand LIV a huge boost.
LIV simply have to do everything they can now to ensure that DeChambeau extends his stay.
It may not be as easy a task as it previously looked set to be.
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