Bryson DeChambeau reportedly held talks about leaving LIV Golf during the Masters, with the American said to be demanding up to $500million to stay with the embattled breakaway.
The future of LIV and its rebels was plunged into doubt last week amid reports that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) could call time on its hugely expensive project.
Tour executives were summoned to an emergency meeting, while multiple agents told the Daily Mail that they were in the dark over whether the controversial venture – into which the PIF has pumped almost $6billion since 2022 – was on the brink of being abandoned amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.
LIV chief Scott O’Neil said his league has funding until the end of the season but their survival beyond the coming months is uncertain and so is DeChambeau’s future after 2026.
The American is in the final season of his contract and, according to The Athletic, DeChambeau and his team spent some of Masters week meeting with golf officials to talk about his options – should he choose to leave LIV.
DeChambeau left the PGA Tour on a four-and-a-half-year deal worth a reported $125m and he is understood to expect up to $500m to re-sign.
Bryson DeChambeau reportedly wants $500million in return for committing his future to LIV
The American is in the final season of his LIV Golf contract, which is worth a reported $125m
LIV CEO Scott O’Neil claimed the tour was assured of funding through the end of the year
News of DeChambeau’s demands emerged after several high-profile defections from LIV, with both Patrick Reed and Brooks Koepka heading back to the PGA Tour.
DeChambeau had the opportunity to jump ship earlier this year, too, through the Returning Member Program but reportedly declined.
The Athletic claims that DeChambeau – already one of golf’s most recognizable figures – even cited his successful YouTube channel during negotiations with interested parties.
The 32-year-old has amassed more than 2.5m subcribers thanks to his videos, which include challenges with President Donald Trump (17m views) and John Daly (10m views).
DeChambeau has previously hinted that he could become a full-time YouTuber and the American reportedly suggested in recent talks that he is open to only producing content and then playing in golf’s four majors.
DeChambeau was seen speaking to O’Neil during LIV Golf’s recent event in Mexico City and there is said to be ‘optimism’ within the rebel circuit that DeChambeau will not leave.
But, The Athletic reports, there is also a ‘clear concession’ that the days of handing out contracts that guarantee hundreds of millions of dollars are over.
DeChambeau missed the cut at the Masters and then withdrew from the final round of LIV’s event in Mexico, citing an injury to his wrist.
