Why did Jon Rahm quit LIV Golf? Reason behind $300 million star’s departure explained

Jon Rahm is leaving LIV Golf. His lawyer, John Beck, told a New Jersey bankruptcy judge on Wednesday that the Spaniard reviewed the terms of the league's restructured version, called LIV 2.0, and found them unacceptable. Rahm signed in December 2023 and has won the league's season title three years running. The two-time major champion won't be part of the rebuilt tour, and both sides are working on a separation agreement. Money looks like the core issue, though neither has spelled out the terms.Why did Jon Rahm quit LIV Golf?Jon Rahm signed as the reigning Masters champion on a deal reported at more than $300 million. He won four LIV events, but the paychecks are where the trouble sits. LIV filed for Chapter 11 protection on Sept. 8, listing between $500 million and $1 billion in liabilities. Rahm tops the league's list of 30 largest unsecured claims at $7.5 million in past-due payments. He had also said he had no regrets about joining and wanted the league to be sustainable.The second version of the league looks nothing like the first. CEO Scott O'Neil has described 10 events with smaller purses, and said the league has to move away from a Saudi-style plan toward one that stands on its own. A proposed $300 million investment from BC Partners depends on conditions that include new player agreements. Nobody is forced to sign one. Players have no obligation to join LIV 2.0, even with multiyear deals on the books.Beck told the court the terms were "unacceptable as to him." No figures came with the statement. In May, Rahm had said he saw few ways out of a contract with several years left. The bankruptcy has since changed his circumstances, and it was later said both camps are in advanced talks on a consensual separation.What does Rahm's exit mean for LIV Golf and his next move?The PGA Tour door looks shut. CEO Brian Rolapp said on Sept. 15 that the tour has no plans to bring back the Returning Member Program, the route Brooks Koepka used to rejoin. Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith were the other names it could have covered.The DP World Tour is the other path. Rahm settled his dispute with the European circuit in May, which kept his membership and his Ryder Cup eligibility for next year. Where he plays in 2027 is not settled.The $300 million star has a thin major record since the move. He has one top-five and four top-10 finishes at majors, after three top-10s in 2023 alone.LIV has its own problems. Sergio Garcia has been released from his contract, and the deadline for current players to commit now sits at Oct. 25. It is not clear which players BC Partners requires for the deal to close, so Rahm's absence adds to the uncertainty. Following his departure, DeChambeau is the biggest name left on the roster.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.