Dustin Johnson is among more than 10 LIV Golf players seeking a combined total of more than $100 million from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, according to a report by The Athletic cited by Reuters. The dispute centers on money players say is still owed under original LIV contracts or severance agreements as the league prepares to move into a reconfigured “LIV 2.0” era with a new financing structure.
The claims involve original LIV contracts
Players reportedly argue that payments promised under contracts signed during LIV’s first phase have not been fully honored.
Some claims also relate to severance arrangements as golfers decide whether to continue with the restructured league.
Dustin Johnson is one of the biggest names
Johnson, a two-time major champion and former world No. 1, was one of LIV’s headline signings when the tour launched.
His involvement gives the dispute greater visibility because he was among the players used to establish the league’s credibility.
Bubba Watson is also part of the group
Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson is reportedly another player seeking payment.
The group includes more than 10 golfers, suggesting the disagreement is broader than a single contract dispute.
PIF changed its financial commitment
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund financed LIV’s lucrative contracts and tournament purses from the league’s launch in 2022.
In April, the fund announced it would withdraw direct financial support, forcing the tour to seek a new structure.
LIV 2.0 is being built with new capital
The reconfigured league is expected to rely more heavily on outside investors, including BC Partners Credit.
That shift raises questions about which entity is responsible for obligations created under the original PIF-backed model.
Several stars have already left
Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Ian Poulter and Tom McKibbin have announced they will not return to the new version of LIV.
The departures weaken the league’s roster at a time when it is trying to redefine its commercial model.
Sunday was a commitment deadline
LIV 2.0 set a Sunday deadline for players to confirm whether they would join the new structure, although the deadline can reportedly be extended.
The unresolved payment dispute complicates those decisions.
Johnson’s lawyer warned of wider consequences
Attorney David Cornwell said the players relied on PIF’s promises to keep LIV financially viable.
He argued that the way the fund handles the end of LIV’s first phase could affect how athletes view Saudi investment in other sports.
The dispute matters beyond golf
PIF has invested across football, boxing, motorsport and other sports as part of Saudi Arabia’s economic-diversification strategy.
Contract reliability is therefore an important reputational issue for future athlete and league partnerships.
Legal action is possible
The players’ next steps will depend on how negotiations over the disputed payments conclude. Arbitration or litigation could follow if no settlement is reached.
The contracts may contain private dispute-resolution clauses, meaning some proceedings could remain confidential.
LIV’s future model remains uncertain
The league has changed professional golf by forcing larger prize purses and reshaping player movement. Its next phase will need to prove it can operate on a more sustainable commercial basis.
A prolonged dispute with former headline players would make that transition harder and could influence recruiting for the new tour.
Sources
- Reuters / Field Level Media, Oct. 25, 2026
- The Athletic report cited by Reuters
Settlement talks could influence who joins the new league
Players deciding whether to sign with LIV 2.0 will pay close attention to how the outstanding claims are handled. A negotiated settlement could separate old obligations from the new structure and reduce uncertainty. A prolonged dispute, by contrast, could make future contracts more expensive because athletes may demand stronger guarantees or upfront payments.
The issue also affects agents and sponsors. They need clarity on which entity stands behind commitments, how prize money will be funded and whether commercial rights will remain stable through another restructuring.
PIF’s response will be closely watched because the fund has become a central investor in international sports. Athletes considering future Saudi-backed competitions may treat the LIV dispute as a test of how contractual promises survive when a league changes strategy. Even if the amounts are ultimately paid, the process could influence how future deals are drafted and guaranteed.
