NEWARK, N.J. — LIV Golf and related entities voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, according to court records cited by ESPN, The Guardian, and other outlets — a formal restructuring after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund cut off the breakaway tour’s cash this year.

Filings indicated assets of $100 million to $500 million against liabilities of $500 million to $1 billion. Among the 30 largest unsecured claims, ESPN reported past-due amounts owed to players including Jon Rahm ($7.5 million), Bryson DeChambeau ($5.7 million), Dustin Johnson ($5.5 million), Cameron Smith ($4.8 million), Tyrrell Hatton ($3.4 million), and Brooks Koepka ($1.7 million). Those figures reflect arrears as of the filing date, not full remaining contract value. Louisiana is listed among large creditors at about $1.2 million, per ESPN.

In a statement and a letter to fans, CEO Scott O’Neil cast the filing as runway for a “next phase,” saying LIV entered a restructuring support agreement with BC Partners Advisors and a court-supervised process “to address previous financial obligations and complete a transaction.” The league said it plans to return in 2027, expects players to hold majority ownership, and is seeking recognition of the U.S. case in England and Wales to cover international assets.

“Now it is time to enter the next phase of LIV Golf,” O’Neil wrote. “Put simply, this process is designed to build a stronger and more sustainable future for LIV Golf.”

LIV said the PIF — which poured an estimated $5 billion-plus into the circuit since 2022 before announcing in April it would stop funding — will provide $49.6 million in financing subject to court approval, with BC Partners Credit and other minority investors expected to supply exit financing. PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan stepped down as LIV chairman after the funding cut. The tour already laid off most staff this month and canceled or shrunk late-season U.S. events while vendors sued over unpaid bills.

PGA Tour officials have said they have no pathway back for LIV players. Whether Rahm, DeChambeau, and other stars stick around for a leaner, player-equity “LIV 2.0” is the open question the bankruptcy calendar will force into the open.

Sources