Rory McIlroy has voiced the view that a number of golfers currently under contract with LIV Golf are likely to look elsewhere for playing opportunities, especially now that the breakaway circuit has announced a filing for bankruptcy protection and a plan to relaunch under a new banner. The Irish star made his comments while on the practice range for the Amgen Irish Open, noting that the original version of the league – often referred to as LIV 1.0 – seemed far more financially appealing than the tentative LIV 2.0 concept that is being sketched out with the help of a fresh lead investor, BC Partners. LIV Golf disclosed on Tuesday that it is collaborating with BC Partners to restructure the organization and roll out a revamped format for the 2025 season, which it has tentatively labeled LIV 2.0.
As part of the restructuring process, the league filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a New Jersey federal court. The filing is intended to give the organization breathing room to negotiate with creditors, settle outstanding debts, and emerge with a cleaner balance sheet. It also signals that the league’s original financial model – heavily underwritten by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) – is no longer sustainable in its current form. The PIF, which had been the primary source of capital for the venture since its launch in 2021, announced in April that it would cease funding the league after the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Over the past five years, the fund is reported to have poured roughly $5 billion (about £3.6 billion) into the venture, covering player salaries, prize money, and a host of marketing initiatives aimed at challenging the established PGA Tour and DP World Tour ecosystems. With that cash flow drying up, the league is forced to rethink its business plan, and the bankruptcy filing is a clear indication that the restructuring will involve significant cuts and possibly a reduction in the size of the player roster. According to sources at Sky News, many of the league’s current members are already in talks with LIV officials about whether they will extend their contracts into 2027 or simply walk away. Some high‑profile names, such as Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, have remained deliberately vague about their future plans.
Rahm, however, did tell reporters on Tuesday that he has a contract with LIV Golf that he is "more than willing to fulfil," suggesting that at least for the short term he intends to honor his existing agreement. McIlroy, who himself defected from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf in 2022, has been candid about the challenges that former tour players may face if they decide to return.
He has warned that the road back to the DP World Tour or PGA Tour could be "tough," but he also emphasized that the presence of former LIV players on those circuits could raise the overall level of competition. "I'm not in their shoes, but LIV 1.0 at the start looked a lot more attractive than what LIV 2.0 might be from a financial standpoint," McIlroy said ahead of the Irish Open. "I'm not trying to predict the future, but I would predict that you'll see some guys leave LIV Golf.
That means other tours have decisions to make. Obviously there's a lot of players on LIV that can strengthen golf tournaments and make them more competitive. So I would see that as a good thing for the DP World Tour." The Irish Open will feature a handful of former LIV players, including Rahm and his Legion XIII teammate Tyrrell Hatton, both of whom are also slated to compete in next week’s BMW PGA Championship.
Their participation underscores McIlroy’s point that the influx of talent from the breakaway league can enhance the quality of established events, provided the players choose to re‑engage with the traditional tours. McIlroy also highlighted the health of the DP World Tour, noting that it enjoys a strong partnership with the PGA Tour. He believes that alliance will only deepen, especially as the PGA Tour looks to co‑host more international events during periods when its own schedule is relatively light. "The health of the DP World Tour is in a really good spot," he said.
"They have a wonderful alliance with the PGA Tour. I think that alliance is only going to get stronger, especially with the PGA Tour committing to working with the DP World Tour for some of these international events at this time of the year going forward. So you have PGA Tour players really with nothing to do for five months in this period. If whoever else is incorporated into these tournaments, that makes them more competitive.
Overall, with the way things are working out, it's a very good thing for the golf ecosystem. It only makes these tournaments stronger with more competitive players in them." Looking ahead to the 2027 Ryder Cup, which will be hosted at Adare Manor in Ireland, European captain Luke Donald acknowledged that uncertainty still surrounds which players will remain with LIV Golf and which will return to the traditional tours. Donald suggested that the prestige and personal importance of the Ryder Cup could be a decisive factor for many.
"There's still some uncertainty," he said. "Time will tell to see where those guys land.
Obviously, you want your best players available, and you want them playing as many counting events as possible. You set your qualification system to try and determine who those top six guys are, and the more someone like a Jon Rahm or Tyrrell Hatton, if they are playing more events on the DP World Tour, they are going to have a better opportunity to fill one of those top six.
So that's obviously great. If not, we'll see what happens. But I don't really determine their schedules or where they play. But I know a lot of these guys, the Ryder Cup is high up on their priority list.
So I'm sure they will be thinking about that." The broader implications of a potential exodus from LIV Golf are significant for the sport’s commercial landscape. If a wave of players does depart, the DP World Tour and PGA Tour could see a boost in viewership, sponsorship interest, and tournament prestige. Conversely, a weakened LIV Golf might struggle to attract new talent, making its long‑term viability questionable. Analysts suggest that the league’s future will hinge on whether it can secure a sustainable financial model that does not rely exclusively on sovereign wealth fund backing.
For fans who want to follow the unfolding drama, Sky Sports will broadcast all four rounds of the Amgen Irish Open. Coverage begins at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday on Sky Sports Golf, with the remaining three days airing live on Sky Sports+. Additional sessions on Friday start at 9 a.m.
and 3 p.m., while weekend action kicks off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1:30 p.m.
on Sunday. The network also offers streaming options through NOW, allowing viewers to watch without a long‑term contract. In summary, Rory McIlroy’s assessment reflects a realistic view of the shifting sands in professional golf. As LIV Golf navigates bankruptcy and attempts a rebirth under LIV 2.0, players will weigh financial security, competitive opportunities, and the allure of historic events like the Ryder Cup.
The outcome will likely reshape the hierarchy of tours, influencing where the world’s top talent ultimately decides to play.