In a move that signals a major shift in its financial strategy, LIV Golf has informed its players that future contract renewals will not include the massive upfront payments that once defined its initial wave of signings. The development, first reported by Golfweek, comes as several high-profile players, including Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau, near the end of their current contracts.
According to the report, Dustin Johnson’s contract is set to expire later this year, while both Koepka and DeChambeau’s deals are slated to run through 2025. Jon Rahm, who made headlines with his blockbuster signing in late 2023, is reportedly locked into a longer-term deal.
A Departure from Big-Budget Beginnings
LIV Golf’s early strategy involved offering astronomical sums to lure some of the world’s biggest stars away from the PGA Tour. Those deals included upfront payments reportedly ranging from $100 million to over $200 million for marquee names—figures that instantly redefined the economics of professional golf.
Now, with the league more established and aligned with a broader vision under the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), LIV appears to be taking a more measured and sustainable approach. The absence of large upfront payments may be aimed at stabilizing cash flow and reshaping how value is distributed to players.
Implications for Players and the Tour
The change could have wide-reaching consequences. For players nearing the end of their deals, the prospect of no renewal bonus may make future negotiations more complex. It might also create friction among existing stars who were brought in with generational wealth incentives, only to see newer or renewing players offered more modest terms.
“This was always going to happen,” said one anonymous golf agent. “The initial contracts were about getting attention and legitimacy. Now LIV wants to be seen as a viable long-term product, not just a disruptor.”
It also raises questions about player loyalty. If the financial advantage of LIV begins to taper, some players might consider returning to the PGA Tour—especially if pathways to majors and world ranking points remain limited under LIV’s structure.
Where Does This Leave LIV?
The timing of this policy shift is critical. With merger talks between the PGA Tour and LIV’s financial backers still ongoing, this new approach could be interpreted as a sign of LIV Golf becoming more corporate and less of a financial juggernaut throwing around blank checks.
Still, LIV remains flush with resources, and even without the upfront bonuses, it could offer lucrative performance-based incentives and team earnings to keep players invested.
What’s Next?
All eyes will be on Dustin Johnson, one of LIV’s original headliners, as he approaches contract negotiations. Will he re-sign under the new terms, seek leverage, or entertain a possible return to the PGA Tour?
Koepka, DeChambeau, and even Rahm could also become key figures in the narrative as LIV reshapes its identity—and its business model—for the next phase of its journey.
