When LIV Golf came around in 2022, the breakaway league’s biggest ammo against a golf institute like the PGA Tour was simple: Less game, big checks. Fast forward to now, as LIV 2.0 is set to begin, both of those promises have evaporated.

A few months ago, when LIV Golf filed for bankruptcy, the filing also included a clause that allowed them to walk away from the current contracts that the likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Cam Smith, etc., had already signed. It was, obviously, a gamble. But they also didn’t have any choice. After all, as I said, LIV 2.0 does not provide the same compensation as LIV Golf, backed by Saudi Arabia’s PIF, did. The clause also allowed the players to pursue their careers elsewhere. As the court’s decision is finally out, LIV’s biggest challenge may no longer be convincing players to join it, but persuading its existing stars to stay.

According to a five-page document response from October 14 in the US Bankruptcy Court in New Jersey, 18 total players are no longer bound by their existing contracts with LIV Golf. Here are their names:

The biggest name on that circuit, with Jon Rahm gone, Bryson DeChambeau is also the biggest name on this list. Meanwhile, the likes of Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson (and Dustin Johnson Enterprises, Inc.), Bubba Watson, Thomas Detry, Michael La Sasso (and Birdie Golf LLC), and Lee Westwood are also included.

Other names are: Laurie Canter, Lucas Herbert, Danny Lee, David Puig, Dean Burmester, Luis Masaveu, Anirban Lahiri, Victor Perez, Thomas Pieters (and TPM BV/ formerly Thomas Pieters Management BVBA), Talor Gooch, Anthony Kim, and Peter Uihlein (and Rightsco Cowboy Golf5 LLC) are also included.

The development marks a significant turning point for LIV Golf as it attempts to reshape its business model for a potential LIV 2.0. However, the ruling does not confirm that the affected players intend to leave. Instead, it gives them greater flexibility to explore other opportunities or negotiate fresh agreements with the league.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michael B. Kaplan approved LIV Golf’s request to reject the existing contracts of 18 players as part of its Chapter 11 restructuring. According to ESPN, the league argued that the current contracts “do not reflect the contemplated compensation structure under LIV 2.0.”

The decision allows the affected golfers to discuss their futures with other organizations or consider new terms if LIV Golf continues operating. It also follows a series of legal developments surrounding player contracts.

Sergio Garcia, Lahiri, and others comment on their future amid LIV’s uncertainties

The latest chapter includes Sergio Garcia’s departure from his existing agreement earlier in October. His attorney sought clarity on his contract in a filing reported on October 1. The request asked the court either to declare the agreement terminated or allow Garcia to terminate it. On October 6, Garcia received formal notice allowing him and his company to file a written termination.

Lawyers representing other players subsequently sought similar clarity. The new court ruling now allows them to do so. The question, however, is whether these golfers will stay and renegotiate a new contract for LIV 2.0. Bryson DeChambeau could be the biggest influence here.

He remains the league’s only face after Jon Rahm’s departure. Although he hasn’t committed to LIV 2.0 yet, he’s been heavily involved in advocating for the league’s survival. Over the past few months, he has participated in funding pitches and held player meetings.

In fact, DeChambeau’s lawyers are reportedly helping players negotiate better terms with LIV Golf. They might not be looking to persuade golfers to stay with the league, but their stance is to get players’ collective leverage over the proposed restructuring. As for other players, their stance is mixed.

Cameron Tringale and Richard Bland, for instance, have reportedly committed to LIV 2.0. Flushing It Golf noted that Tringale personally confirmed his commitment. Meanwhile, David Puig, Adrian Meronk, and Abraham Ancer are reportedly leaving. Others, like Anirban Lahiri, need more time to think about it.

Anirban Lahiri has offered a clearer glimpse into how some players are approaching the uncertainty. Speaking ahead of the DP World India Championship on October 13, the Indian golfer said he needed more time before deciding on his future.

“Just give it another month, month and a half, and everyone will know exactly what’s happening one way or the other,” Lahiri said.

He also expressed appreciation for his LIV Golf experience while acknowledging that the league’s future remains uncertain. Lahiri said his final decision would depend on what works best for him and his family and what helps him improve as a golfer.

The challenge is deciding whether it is worth continuing with the rebel league.

Joining and staying with LIV Golf used to come with significant contract values and high event purses. But the restructured league may no longer be as lucrative. Reports suggest the league may have 10 or 17 events, but purses are likely to drop significantly. Another key factor for potential LIV golfers is the DP World Tour’s decision to ban them.

CEO Guy Kennings said that golfers will have to decide. If they choose LIV Golf, they will have to bid farewell to any hopes of playing in a Ryder Cup.

The only plus point is that the breakaway league is offering equity for those who stay. The proposed plan is to offer golfers 52.5% equity. But is its valuation worth the risk for golfers?

DP World Tour’s membership deadline is November 16, 2026, while LIV’s player commitment deadline is October 25, 2026. For now, the reported court rejection has made many players, like Bryson DeChambeau, free to pursue other opportunities.