Business1 min read

LIV Golf’s attempted relaunch collapses after new lead investor withdraws, reports say

By · Via The Guardian Business · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The proposed "LIV 2.0" restructuring sought to salvage the league through reduced prize money, shorter schedules, and player equity stakes. However, marquee golfers Jon Rahm and Sergio García publicly defected, while the DP World Tour exacerbated the crisis by forcing competitors to choose between circuits. In upcoming bankruptcy proceedings, the circuit must negotiate obligations to roughly 1,000 creditors, including unpaid star athletes.

Key points

  • The abrupt exit of lead financial backers has left the remaining assets of the tour poise…: The abrupt exit of lead financial backers has left the remaining assets of the tour poised for full liquidation.
  • Relaunch efforts crumbled because marquee golfers rejected the new economic model featuri…: Relaunch efforts crumbled because marquee golfers rejected the new economic model featuring smaller purses and equity.
  • LIV Golf must now address its massive debt obligations, contracts, and leases during form…: LIV Golf must now address its massive debt obligations, contracts, and leases during formal hearings in a New Jersey bankruptcy court.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

The rebel LIV Golf tour’s attempt to relaunch itself after filing for bankruptcy has collapsed following the withdrawal of the new lead investor BC Partners, according to reports on Wednesday.

The private capital firm made the decision to walk away after struggling to convince several star players to commit fully to the league going forward, the Financial Times and the Athletic reported, citing anonymous sources.

The once free-spending Saudi-backed league that turned the golf world upside-down by luring superstars away from the traditional PGA Tour is now expected to have its remaining assets liquidated.

The tour is expected to appear at a Thursday hearing in a bankruptcy court in Trenton, New Jersey, to discuss various contracts, leases and assets. It is unclear whether LIV’s ultimate fate may also be discussed.

LIV Golf did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund had poured an estimated $5bn into the tour since 2022, before abruptly pulling the plug earlier this year.

LIV formally filed for bankruptcy protection in September, though officials vowed to relaunch as “LIV 2.0”…

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