The rebel golf tour that promised to revolutionise the sport with Saudi billions is dead. LIV Golf\u2019s desperate bid to relaunch after bankruptcy has collapsed spectacularly following BC Partners\u2019 withdrawal as lead investor, leaving the once free-spending breakaway circuit facing liquidation after burning through an estimated $5-7 billion in barely three years.<\/p>\n
The private capital firm walked away after failing to convince star players to commit to \u201cLIV 2.0,\u201d the Financial Times<\/a> and Athletic<\/a> reported Wednesday, citing anonymous sources. That player exodus, featuring public departures from Jon Rahm and conspicuous silence from even loyalist Bryson DeChambeau, proved fatal to resurrection hopes that were already on life support.<\/p>\n ALSO READ Rahm walks away: LIV\u2019s $300m star severs ties in bankruptcy deal<\/a><\/p>\n Saudi Arabia\u2019s Public Investment Fund poured roughly $5 billion into the tour since 2022, luring superstars away from the PGA Tour with guaranteed money that turned professional golf upside-down. Then the Saudis abruptly pulled the plug earlier this year, forcing LIV to file bankruptcy protection in September whilst vowing to return next season with reduced schedules, smaller prize purses and player equity stakes.<\/p>\n BC Partners Credit pledged an initial $300 million funding commitment. It wasn\u2019t enough. When the players wouldn\u2019t commit, the money disappeared and the dream died.<\/p>\n The stars abandoned ship<\/p>\n Rahm\u2019s public withdrawal in recent weeks symbolised LIV\u2019s credibility collapse. DeChambeau, arguably the circuit\u2019s biggest remaining name and most vocal supporter, never publicly committed to returning despite continued backing. <\/p>\n The DP World Tour accelerated LIV\u2019s demise by reversing its dual-participation policy, forcing players like Rahm to choose between established European competition and the bankrupt Saudi experiment. <\/p>\n Also read: McIlroy backs DP world tour\u2019s hardline LIV Golf ultimatum<\/a><\/p>\n