LIV Golf is changing the way it signs and pays players. The league will no longer offer huge upfront payments in new contracts. This is a big change from when LIV first launched and offered massive deals to attract top talent from the PGA Tour.
No More Big Upfront Payment in New Contracts
Bryson DeChambeau was reportedly paid $125 million when he made the switch from the PGA Tour. His current deal, along with Brooks Koepka’s, runs through the end of 2026. Dustin Johnson’s contract also ends this year. Dustin Johnson was paid around $200 million to join in 2022. Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka also signed big-money contracts.
Now, as their deals come up for renewal, they will face new terms. LIV Golf wants players to earn money through their performance, not just by signing a contract. There’s been a lot of talk about Koepka and DeChambeau possibly returning to the PGA Tour recently. While DeChambeau has since made it clear he’s staying with LIV, the issue of not earning the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points continues to weigh heavily on many players’ minds.
In the past, LIV offered huge guarantees to pull players away from the PGA Tour. That strategy worked, but it was expensive. Reports say LIV has spent around $5 billion since it started. Of that, over $1.3 billion went to player contracts alone. Now, LIV wants to become more financially stable.
“🚨💰❌ #REPORT — The LIV Golf league has told its players that contract renewals will not include the large upfront payments that were given upon initially signing. Dustin Johnson’s contract expires this year, Brooks’ / Bryson’s expire next year, and Rahm is locked up longer term, per @golfweek,” NUCRL Golf posted on X.
Under the new system, players will still have the chance to earn a lot. Each LIV event has a $25 million prize pool. The winner takes home $4 million. Even the last-place player gets $50,000. There are also team events where the winning team splits $3 million. This means players can still earn big money, but they have to play well to get it.
How New Contract Changes Could Affect LIV Golf
The new contract strategy may affect how players see LIV Golf. Many joined because of the guaranteed money. Without that, some may think about going back to the PGA Tour. The PGA now offers “Signature Events” with $20 million purses, which makes the gap between the two tours smaller.
There are other factors too. LIV Golf events don’t offer Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. That can hurt a player’s chances to qualify for events like the Ryder Cup or the majors. As contracts end, players will have to decide if the LIV format is worth it without big guarantees.
These contract changes come as LIV Golf and the PGA Tour continue merger talks. The talks have dragged on, and no final deal is in place. This has created uncertainty in the world of professional golf. LIV’s shift in strategy might help its image as a serious long-term league, but it also raises questions about its future plans.
Main Photo Credit: © Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
