Jon Rahm’s LIV entry was significant; his departure would add pressure to a league already facing investor and legal challenges. It has been three months since Saudi’s PIF announced it would stop funding LIV Golf. With billions away from LIV’s budget, Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed exited early. However, the top two golfers in the league, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, showed their trust in the league and stayed. But Rahm’s cryptic response to a simple question may reveal more than his words.

At JCB Golf Club, Rahm was asked if he would still don the LIV colors in 2027. To everyone’s surprise, he neither confirmed nor denied. “Well, we’re in contact with them [LIV Golf executives]. We know a lot of what’s going on, yeah. Not that I can share with you guys right now.” Pressed further and this time, with a direct question whether he would play for LIV next year, Rahm shrugged, paused for a second, and then reiterated, “I’m not going to share anything that I can’t share with you guys right now.”

It might seem innocuous, but those are a loaded few words. Rahm’s refusal to confirm his status comes as a shock. Although LIV Golf never officially announced it, his contract is believed to be worth $300 million and ties him with the Saudi-backed league till 2028. But Rahm not confirming that he would still be part of Legion XII next year makes the water murkier. Breaking contract is not uncommon in LIV, and Brooks Koepka has done it. So Rahm’s brief response was unexpected, especially when you consider his past comments.

In May, the Spanish International, who joined LIV Golf in December 2023, was asked about his contract situation. To that, Rahm said, “Right now, I have several years in my contract left. I’m pretty sure they did a pretty good job when they drafted that, so I don’t see many ways out.”

Then again he was questioned about investing in LIV earlier this month. Bryson DeChambeau has reportedly been in many meetings with LIV Golf executives and potential investors. In fact, there were reports that some players can join in as investors in the league as well. Previously, Rahm had said his job was to play good golf, hinting he didn’t have time to join boardroom meetings and meddle in business affairs. But earlier this month his response changed.

“Something I’ve learned in life, never say never,” the former Masters champion said when quizzed about whether he would invest in the league. “I’m not going to say absolutely no to anything that can happen in the future.”

Rahm’s recent comments also echo Brooks Koepka’s cryptic response around the same time last year. Fred Couples said Koepka wanted to leave the Saudi-backed league. Koepka, asked to share his take on it, refused to confirm whether he would stay or leave. Asked about it again in May, the Florida resident said he didn’t pay attention to anyone’s comments.

In fact, as late as December 2025, LIV CEO Scott O’Neil didn’t shut down the rumors of Koepka’s departure, offering a rather diplomatic response that the five-time major winner was signed for 2026. Of course, Koepka would go on to exit the league two weeks later.

While he was secretive about his uncertain future, Rahm believes in LIV Golf. The league’s financial situation has not been a secret. CEO Scott O’Neil has tried everything to attract new investors and even asked Bryson DeChambeau for help, but nothing has worked out for him. He needs $300 million now to keep the league afloat in 2027.

“I play a game for a living. I can’t really be too upset about how things are going in life. Even though I’m very frustrated on the course very often, off the course I’m very different to what a lot of people think,” the Spaniard said with a chuckle.

Rahm’s silence on 2027 contrasts sharply with his optimism about LIV’s survival. With no new investors, Rahm’s next contract likely won’t match his $500M deal. LIV Golf faces dozens of financial and legal obstacles. 24 hours before the UK event, LIV was served with a notice for alleged unpaid dues.

Mobii Systems Group Ltd., which provided the ‘Any Shot, Any Time’ feature during LIV’s broadcasts, has sued the league for $1.13 million. The company alleges that LIV didn’t pay $820,600 in licensing fees plus $104,500 in usage fees. It doesn’t stop there.

The tech company is seeking an additional $209,531 in lost revenue for the remaining six events in 2026 after LIV Golf breached its two-year contract, set to expire on Dec. 31.

LIV is facing another lawsuit from World Golf Group (WGG) and Premier Golf League (PGL). Both parties allege LIV has stolen their concept of World Golf.

As the league faces these complicated legal issues, the Asian Tour, which until recently served as LIV’s partner, has signed a new deal with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour until 2029—another massive setback for LIV. LIV Golf has many problems to solve, and amid the current situation, it seems players may have to help with their money. But would they? As Rahm said, “never say never.”