A US bankruptcy judge has approved LIV Golf's motion and terminated the contracts of 19 pros, including heavyweights like Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, and Dustin Johnson – a move that once again turns the golf universe upside down. This is not a mass exodus, but a cold, calculated move that suddenly reopens all options for these top players and exposes the poker face of the LIV bosses.
These 19 superstars aren't immediately out of the picture, but their old agreements are history. This means they can either fiercely negotiate new deals with the planned "LIV 2.0" or boldly approach the PGA Tour or other circuits. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in New Jersey, is a true game-changer in the battle for the best tee shots.
High-Stakes Game on the Green
LIV itself states that the old contracts no longer fit the new, optimized compensation structure of LIV 2.0. This makes the affected players, who could claim around $45 million in bonuses and guarantees, unsecured creditors. The future of LIV Golf remains uncertain, but by the end of October 2026, it should be clear whether the league will be back for 2027. A potential investor, BC Partners, is already offering $300 million – players have until October 25, 2026, to decide on the LIV 2.0 model.
🚨❌📄 #REJECTED — The following LIV Golf player contracts have been rejected. These players are no longer bound by their contracts and are free to leave the league or sign new agreements with LIV 2.0 Bryson DeChambeau & Cam Smith among the names. Brendan Steele Caleb Surratt
New Freedoms
The list of "free" guys is long and prominent: In addition to DeChambeau, Smith, and Johnson, Bubba Watson, Marc Leishman, Harold Varner III, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood are also on the roster. While Bryson DeChambeau has already stated his intention to remain with LIV, Smith, Leishman, and Varner III are said to have been seeking more freedom for some time.
This court decision now sets a crucial leverage point in motion. LIV can restructure player compensation, while the big names at the table can make new demands – or test whether the competition is willing to welcome them back with open arms and bulging pockets. The game is far from over.
