LIV Golf’s Expiring Contracts with Superstars Put It In Limbo

LIV Golf is approaching the expiration of contracts with some of its biggest superstars. The big draw and leverage point for the PGA TOUR’s rival is its star power.

But with a merger in the works and reported to be happening soon, LIV’s financier and the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s governor, Yasir al-Rumayyan, have a big decision to make.

Alan Shipnuck, a legendary golf reporter, noted in an episode of the Dan on Golf podcast yesterday that Bryson DeChambeau’s and Brooks Koepka’s contracts will expire and be up for renewal after this season.

Shipnuck added to the stakes, saying:

“This is an inflection point for Yasir.”

As LIV Golf stands and the PGA TOUR continues to attempt to negotiate terms with the PIF, a timing element in the negotiations is throwing an interesting wrench into things.

🚨👀⛳️ #WATCH: On @DanOnGolfShow, Alan Shipnuck says contracts with current LIV golfers are expiring and are up for renewal. “If they lose either of those two guys (Bryson or Brooks), it’s over. This is a moment of inflection for Yasir.”

Do you think a big name could leave LIV? pic.twitter.com/VrauvY9Ldq

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) February 11, 2025

Has the PGA TOUR Been Slow Playing This All Along?

From a strategic standpoint, the PGA TOUR could have been lagging in negotiations all along in an effort to see what LIV’s move would be regarding the resignation of its biggest talent.

The TOUR may have been anxious to see how much money it would pay to retain its biggest draws and top talent. While initial contracts were lucrative, other sports have taught us that things get much more expensive the second time around.

After all, no deal is done, at least not yet. While things do appear to be well on their way to being resolved, there is no indication that anything is absolutely a done deal.

The PGA TOUR and LIV both know that there is still a game of chess being played. If it cannot retain its biggest names, these players could come crawling back to the TOUR, and it could be the beginning of the end for LIV. Although their money is nearly limitless, there is still a chance some players could have a certain dollar figure in mind that simply does not align with what they are willing to offer.

Hence, the standoff begins.

The Draw of DeChambeau and Koepka

It is no secret that DeChambeau has greatly benefited from shifting his playing career to LIV. His content is among the best and most popular in the golf space, his relationship with the fans has never been better, and he’s injected quite a sum of money into his bank account.

For Koepka, things have been pretty much the same. He’s making money, he’s won a Major during his time with LIV, and his fans still support him, me being one of them.

But the TOUR must have known that this day would come. DeChambeau is perhaps the biggest chess piece, especially as he has truly built a great brand for himself and established a reputation as a fan favorite. Therefore, it will be imperative that LIV resign him.

While Koepka would still be a monumental loss for LIV, his absence might not have as much of an impact simply because he is not as active on YouTube golf. For the past few years, fans have proven they are more interested in entertainment than quality of play, and DeChambeau fits the bill for both of those categories exceptionally well.

Cover Image via Golf Digest