Bryson DeChambeau says he would focus on expanding his YouTube presence rather than immediately seeking a return to the PGA Tour if LIV Golf cannot continue. The announcement follows news that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund will withdraw funding for LIV after the 2026 season, a move the PIF framed as a change in its investment strategy.
As one of LIV’s highest-profile players — alongside Jon Rahm, who has recently reached an arrangement with the DP World Tour — DeChambeau’s future has been widely debated. He told ESPN he wants to triple his channel’s reach and add dubbed content in multiple languages to attract a broader audience. He currently has about 2.69 million subscribers and said he would prefer to play in events that actively want him on their fields.
DeChambeau also urged a less adversarial approach between the circuits, calling for egos to be set aside and for stakeholders to work cooperatively to grow the game. He described his YouTube work as part of that effort and questioned the logic of potential fines or sanctions aimed at players who could contribute to the sport.
The 32-year-old said he was surprised by the PIF decision, noting he had previously been told LIV had financing secured through 2032. That assurance, he said, influenced his expectations and planning before the sudden funding shift.
On the possibility of a broader reconciliation among tours, DeChambeau suggested a unified approach could be beneficial if it is backed by a strong commercial plan. He argued that franchise teams have already reached levels of profitability that would make them valuable assets, estimating some could be sold for near $200 million, excluding his own team.
DeChambeau’s competitive status remains secure in majors: his 2023 U.S. Open victory gives him exemption there through 2033, and he retains guaranteed entries to the Masters, The Open and the PGA Championship until 2028.
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil praised DeChambeau as a unique and driven partner and said the league would work through contractual discussions with him before pursuing new investors.
Meanwhile, PGA Tour player Billy Horschel told Sky Sports Golf that offers to certain players may change if initial negotiations falter, and suggested there will still be pathways back for many players. Horschel expressed skepticism, however, about the prospects of a return for Phil Mickelson given his past controversies.
DeChambeau concluded by expressing hope that future relations among players and tours will be less confrontational and more focused on healthy competition and innovation, ideally bringing those who want to play on different circuits into a more harmonious, single umbrella.