In a pointed and unequivocal statement, two-time U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau has directly debunked the wave of recent anonymous-source reports from mainstream golf media claiming that LIV Golf faces imminent funding cuts, potential shutdown, and that he himself is actively shopping for an exit — as posited by the New York Times via its sports brand, The Athletic.
Speaking after the LIV Golf Mexico City event to popular X influencer Flushing It (@FlushingItGolf), DeChambeau dismantled the speculation head-on, reaffirming his deep commitment to the league and its franchise model while emphasizing his responsibility to the next generation of players.
Bryson DeChambeau has been the face of LIV Golf since joining in 2022. He regularly faces media and has been the most outspoken player in regard to how much he believes in the product. Now with reports that the PIF are cutting funding at the end of the 2026 season, how committed… pic.twitter.com/BJsNs4SZQK
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) April 22, 2026
“There’s a lot of moving parts like in any business. It’s a startup, right? And so, there’s going to be times where we’re squeezed and punched. This is one of those moments,” DeChambeau told the golf influencer. “But I’m going to do everything in my power to make it work and I really see the value in franchise golf.”
He went further, explaining that his dedication isn’t just personal or team-specific but about protecting the younger talent who have bought into LIV’s vision.
“It’s not just for myself and the team aspect that I really believe in on the Crushers side. It’s for Michael LaSasso. It’s for Caleb Surratt. It’s for Josele Ballester. It’s for David Puig,” DeChambeau continued.
“Jon [Rahm], Phil [Mickelson], DJ [Dustin Johnson], myself and the guys that have been here from the start, we’re okay. It’s now our responsibility to take care of these kids that believe in us.
“That’s why I’m really doing it. There’s so much value to squeeze out of this whole thing for golf in general.”
Addressing his expiring contract at the end of the 2026 season, DeChambeau made clear he has not given up on a new deal and remains optimistic a solution will be reached.
“We’re still working on a potential contract. I haven’t given up on that and I think there will be a solution,” he said. “But as of right now, my job is to help make the league work after this year.
“I just feel like I have a responsibility. I’ve put a lot of effort into it. So that’s what I’m going to do, we’re going to make this work.”
He capped the interview with a simple but powerful declaration: “As long as LIV is here, I would figure out a way for it to make sense.”
A common-sense theory circulating among LIV supporters underscores the disconnect in the shutdown speculation: if DeChambeau is actively negotiating a 2027 contract extension with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) — reportedly in the neighborhood of $400–500 million — it makes little logical sense for the league to be on the verge of folding after 2026. You don’t commit that level of resources to a flagship star only to shutter the operation shortly thereafter.
The ongoing talks themselves serve as a strong signal, amid the noise, of continued investment and belief in LIV’s long-term viability.
The comments come amid a storm of negative headlines following reports from outlets like The Athletic that cited unnamed sources, exclusively — claiming DeChambeau’s representatives held meetings during Masters week to explore post-LIV options.
Similar anonymous-sourced stories, broadcast on the Golf Channel and the Tray Bingo show — among others, have repeatedly painted a picture of a league on the brink.
DeChambeau’s response lands as a direct rebuttal to what LIV supporters have long labeled “anti-LIV propaganda,” coverage that often relies on unnamed insiders and focuses on potential doom and gloom rather than the league’s documented growth in revenue, sponsorships, attendance, and global expansion.
DeChambeau’s stature as the league’s most visible avatar was further underscored when veteran LIV stalwarts like Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood took to X to slam the same rumors.
Poulter, in a reply to Flushing It’s post, wrote: “And just like that when you actually talk to the source instead of making up noise of distraction you get the factual reply. Enough noise, stop the bullshit. Let’s get back to golf.”
And just like that when you actually talk to the source instead of making up noise of distraction you get the factual reply. Enough noise, stop the bullshit. Let’s get back to golf. 👊🏼
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) April 22, 2026
Westwood echoed the sentiment with a quote repost that included only the raising hands emoji.
— Lee Westwood (@WestwoodLee) April 22, 2026
Their quick reactions — widely seen as endorsements of DeChambeau’s position — carried the weight of longtime icons of the game signaling that when the current “alpha” of LIV speaks, the pack stands behind him.
The timing is notable. DeChambeau’s Mexico City weekend was not without controversy; he publicly criticized the course conditions and withdrew from the final round citing wrist discomfort. Yet instead of fueling more exit rumors, the outspoken star used the moment to double down on his belief in LIV’s competitive format and long-term potential.
DeChambeau, who joined LIV in 2022 and has been one of its most visible and successful ambassadors, has consistently argued that the league represents the future of professional golf. His latest comments — reinforced by immediate support from peers like Poulter and Westwood, and the practical reality of ongoing high-stakes contract negotiations — signal to fans, players, and sponsors that the narrative of collapse is, in their view, greatly exaggerated.
As LIV Golf prepares for its next events and continues negotiations on its future, DeChambeau’s message is unmistakable: the rumors are classic misinformation, the commitment is real, and the work to build something lasting is far from finished.
