Jon Rahm, the current Augusta Masters champion and a top three golfer in the world, has been linked with a multi‑million dollar move to LIV Golf. The deal, still awaiting formalization, would place Rahm in a new golf circuit born in 2022 in Saudi Arabia. If confirmed, the contract would be among the most lucrative in sports history, estimated at around 550 million euros. Rahm, a Basque athlete from Barrika, would depart the PGA Tour in the United States and the DP World Tour in Europe to join a competition that has reshaped the sport in recent years. This potential transfer would mark a historic moment for world sports finances.
In February 2022, Rahm publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the PGA Tour, a pledge made as the sport saw significant Saudi investment flowing toward several players who shifted to LIV, including Sergio García and Eugenio Chacarra, who among others had flirted with the new league. Rahm initially rejected an offer around 400 million euros, choosing to stay with the traditional tour for the time being.
The situation has evolved dramatically since then. Rumors intensified after the Telegram newspaper reported that the Saudis extended a contract offer valued at about 550 million euros for Rahm to join LIV through 2029. The Wall Street Journal reportedly indicated that the deal had been finalized and could be announced within hours. A departure for Rahm would deal a serious blow to the PGA Tour as a whole, galvanizing the ongoing discussions around the sport’s global structure.
fusion process
The near‑unmistakable offer from the Saudi Public Investment Fund to fund LIV arrives at a pivotal moment for professional golf as two leagues navigate a controversial merger. Within the sport there remains some resistance to the Saudi venture from figures like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, highlighting the broader tensions surrounding the reconfiguration of the game.
Rahm has emerged as a highly desired asset for Saudi investors, though he is not alone in receiving attention. His decision is not driven solely by money, as questions about leadership on the PGA Tour and the direction of the merger have influenced several top players, including Rahm, McIlroy, and Woods. The PGA Tour publicly announced a merger with LIV in June, a move that did not involve prior consultation with all stakeholders and has left many supporters and critics debating the best path forward for the sport.
The Basque player has previously acknowledged financial considerations while emphasizing that his love for golf and competition lies at the heart of his choices. He has spoken about the historical importance of victories at landmarks such as the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Riviera, and other hallowed venues, underscoring a deep commitment to the PGA Tour’s tradition and its heritage. Rahm has not commented in detail on his intentions following the latest wave of rumors, but insiders expect a decision before year’s end about whether he will join LIV or remain with the PGA Tour.
The merger between the PGA Tour and LIV would also shape participation in the major championships, including the Augusta Masters, the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, and the Open Championship, with questions still outstanding about LIV players’ eligibility for the Ryder Cup. In this evolving landscape, Rahm’s choices intersect with the broader battle between tradition and new financial power in golf, a debate that reverberates through the sport as fans and players weigh loyalty, legacy, and opportunity.
Among LIV’s circle, close associates include notable names such as Phil Mickelson and Sergio García, both of whom have been involved in negotiations with Saudi backers as LIV has expanded since its inception. Discussions and strategic planning have continued in the weeks leading up to a decision that would likely redefine Rahm’s career and the global golf calendar for years to come. The industry and fans alike watch closely as the story develops, ready to reassess predictions as official statements emerge, and as the long‑anticipated merger continues to unfold across continents.