LIV Golf chief gives update on Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm futures after securing new investment

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has spoken out over the futures of star players Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm after confirming that the series has found an unnamed lead investor.

The future of LIV has been up in the air since it was announced earlier this year that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) would withdraw its funding by the end of 2026.

Shortly after that announcement, LIV stated that it would look to 'secure long-term financial partners'.

O'Neil confirmed on Wednesday that the series had found a lead investor, which he described as being 'of weight', and that they will back LIV until at least 2030.

"We're very fortunate that a lead investor has signed a term sheet approved by our board, which will carry and fund LIV going forward," he said. "It's very good news for us."

O'Neil, however, refused to disclose the identity of the backer and did not state what the specific financial arrangement involves.

Bloomberg reported later on Wednesday that the credit division of private equity company BC Partners is 'leading discussions over a potential financing package', though those talks are ongoing.

BC Partners already holds an investment stake in GSE Worldwide, which represents a number of LIV Golf stars including Abraham Ancer, Joaquin Niemann and - most notably - DeChambeau.

DeChambeau has said he is open to staying with LIV if the two parties are able to agree fresh terms on a deal which expires at the end of 2026, but also wants to focus on growing his YouTube channel.

He stated in May that a PGA Tour return could be on the card if 'the membership wants me back'.

READ MORE: Bryson DeChambeau reveals his unthinkable plans for if LIV Golf collapses

Rahm's case is less clear, with reports claiming he is owed a significant amount in deferred salaries from LIV.

The Spaniard said he would not be assisting in helping LIV to secure investors, but was part of a players' meeting held by DeChambeau before news of the new investment became public.

He said in July: "I'm not going to share anything that I can't share with you guys right now."

LIV CEO speaks out on DeChambeau, Rahm

O'Neil said on Wednesday that he 'would love' DeChambeau and Rahm - LIV's two most-recognisable stars - to stay with the series, but believes LIV will have enough pulling power to attract top stars regardless.

"I think when you have a global game and you have 57 players, from 21 countries, and you're playing in 10 countries on five continents, how you define stars gets really interesting," he said.

"So, while I have all the time in the world for Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, I think I'd be remiss in saying they're not the only two of the biggest, best golfers on the planet, but I think they're some of the biggest stars in sports, let alone golf.

"I would certainly love them to come along for the ride and journey because they carry maybe more weight than anybody in the game, and I have a lot of time for that.

"I think we have enough support from enough players, and we have such an interesting format and global format, I think we'll do quite well in getting the right stars for this game."