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After Brooks Koepka’s exit might trigger a domino effect, many might wonder if Bryson DeChambeau is the next one to leave. His contract with LIV runs through 2026, and the renewal is already in discussion. After all, he wishes to remain loyal to LIV, but with Koepka’s exit comes complications for him.

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“It’s a scenario that is very unique,” DeChambeau told Flushing It Golf on December 27. “With Brooks leaving, it definitely throws in some unique things.”

DeChambeau’s response hints at a few roadblocks. He was also non-committal to the idea of a final contract before LIV’s 2026 season opener in Riyadh, saying that there are a lot of things to go through. The 2x US Open winner remains committed to the idea of growing golf and team golf across the globe, but for that, “there are a lot of things that have to be done for it to be right.”

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Despite their previous vulnerable relationship and knowing how it complicates things for him, the LIV golfer understands why Brooks Koepka decided to leave. He acknowledged that Koepka’s needs and wants were such, and ultimately, they had to be respected.

Back in June ’22, the reportedly $125M deal caused a massive ruckus. DeChambeau, along with Koepka, was a shocking name, but the landscape has since then shifted. With huge incurred losses, LIV has conveniently rolled back its eye-watering signing bonuses. What this means is that if DeChambeau renews his contract, he might not get a bonus. The simplest example is Dustin Johnson.

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Johnson’s contract also expires in 2026, but instead of contemplating his options, Johnson renewed his contract—a multi-year deal worth over $100 M. Although the amount sounds big, it is smaller than the reported $125 M offered in 2022-2023.

All kinds of changes matter for DeChambeau, not only with respect to money, but also for his stable future.

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As captain and equity holder of Crushers GC, his earnings also come from LIV’s commercial viability. This includes sponsorships, branding, and audience growth. The league was already struggling in these aspects, and Koepka’s exit further undermines the ecosystem. Despite such major uncertainty, Bryson DeChambeau holds hope.

“Things have got to change. Things have got to improve,” he said. “Scott’s done a fabulous job with the year that he’s had. And I think this year’s going to be even better.”

O’Neil replaced Greg Norman and is redoing the entire LIV philosophy. His focus has been more on operational stability, new branding, and global expansion in countries like Korea, the UK, and Africa. He has been trying to sign more PGA Tour pros, but the deals haven’t been able to come to fruition.

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At the same time, there are structural changes as well.

LIV’s shift to 72 holes was a paramount decision. It is a major overhaul to gain the OWGR approval, which is crucial for golfers like Bryson DeChambeau who look forward to competing in majors.

As LIV heads into 2026, with so many unexpected changes, DeChambeau’s future appears more conditional than assured.

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Bryson DeChambeau’s leverage without a blank check

Bryson DeChambeau enters the most pivotal negotiations of his LIV career. He does hold undeniable leverage, but far less freedom.

On the surface, he is LIV’s most complete asset. He finished third in the 2025 standings. Further, he took his Crushers GC to a runner-up finish at the Team Championship. He runs one of golf’s biggest YouTube channels with more than 2.5 million subscribers. So it’s unlikely that LIV would let DeChambeau go.

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Of course, LIV will offer Bryson DeChambeau a multi-year extension (likely spanning over 3-4 years), maybe adding the performance bonuses. If the OWGR is approved, DeChambeau’s value will likely increase. If not this, then LIV might offer a rather shorter extension.

DeChambeau might think of going back to the PGA Tour, highly unlikely though, but if the OWGR request is denied, and the Crushers GC fails to secure commercial partners, DeChambeau might face a dilemma. He sure has thoughts on Brooks Koepka rejoining the PGA Tour.

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