Bryson DeChambeau says he’ll focus on expanding his YouTube channel and play only in tournaments that welcome him if LIV Golf fails to secure new funding and shutters operations. The two-time US Open champion, 32, made his intentions clear after the league’s future was thrown into doubt by a Saudi funding withdrawal.
Saudi Withdrawal Sparks Uncertainty for LIV Golf
The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) has announced it will pull its multibillion-dollar backing from LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season. That decision has cast a shadow over the league’s future. DeChambeau, who joined LIV in June 2022 and whose contract expires at the end of this season, admitted he was "completely shocked" by the news. He had expected PIF to finance LIV Golf through 2032.
"I haven’t had any communication. And unfortunately, things are moving on in a different direction. Obviously, they wanted to move on," DeChambeau told reporters ahead of this week’s event at Trump National Golf Club.
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil avoided specifics when asked if the league would negotiate a new deal with DeChambeau before seeking new investors. "We’ll sort through and work through," O’Neil said, calling DeChambeau "different and special" and praising his value as both a golfer and a business partner.
DeChambeau’s Next Steps: YouTube Channel Expansion
With his contract set to expire after this season. DeChambeau is already considering alternatives if LIV Golf cannot secure further investment. Rather than eyeing an immediate return to the PGA Tour, he says his priority would be growing his YouTube presence.
"I think, from my perspective. I’d love to grow my YouTube channel three times, maybe even more," DeChambeau told ESPN. He also wants to dub content in multiple languages to reach a wider international audience.
His YouTube channel currently boasts 2.69 million subscribers. DeChambeau said he would also consider playing "tournaments that want me," making it clear he intends to compete only where he feels welcomed.
Contract Talks and PGA Tour Possibilities
DeChambeau has dismissed reports that he is trying to leave LIV before the end of his contract as "completely untrue." Before the PIF announcement, he was reportedly seeking a new deal with LIV worth up to $500 million.
He confirmed having held talks with the PGA Tour but said that returning would come with "severe penalties." DeChambeau described these potential punishments as "quite unfortunate in my opinion, considering what I could do for them." He withdrew from a federal lawsuit against the PGA Tour in May 2023 but pointed to ongoing tensions between LIV defectors and PGA management.
"The egos need to get dropped," DeChambeau said. "Everybody needs to come in with a level-headed playing field, with an opportunistic mindset to grow the game of golf."
Asked whether PIF would honor the remainder of his contract. DeChambeau replied, "Your guess is as good as mine."
Future Remains Unclear for Top Stars
LIV Golf’s uncertain future has left its biggest names weighing their options. Jon Rahm recently resolved outstanding fines with the DP World Tour but has not commented on rejoining the PGA Tour. Other players have faced significant penalties for returning, including charity donations and loss of exemptions into signature events.
LIV executives are now searching for new backers as existing contracts approach expiration. Players such as DeChambeau are considering alternative career paths if no solution emerges.
