Dustin Johnson leads over 10 LIV golfers seeking $100M in severance from Saudi Arabia's PIF amid LIV's bankruptcy struggles and future uncertainty

A group of over ten LIV golfers, including Dustin Johnson, is seeking to enter negotiations with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund to collect funds owed from unpaid contracts.

The PIF announced they would pull funding from the circuit at the end of the 2026 season, and LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on September 8th as many of the league's top stars have announced they will not be a part of LIV Golf 2.0.

According to a report from The Athletic, Johnson, Bubba Watson, Thomas Detry, and several other golfers are pursuing severance payouts totaling over $100 million.

The development coincides with the commitment deadline for LIV 2.0, which BC Partners has previously delayed and may postpone again. To date, only four players have officially committed to the revamped league, whereas over twelve golfers have already confirmed their departure.

The Athletic’s report states that no golfers within Johnson's coalition are expected to execute the current draft of the restructuring deal between LIV and BC Partners, as multiple recent hearings have been canceled and their attorney noted they will know by the end of the month if LIV Golf will continue.

“Given their reliance on these promises, our group seeks a sensible severance payment as part of the wind-up of LIV,” David Cornwell, Johnson’s lawyer and former 4 Aces general manager told The Athletic. “The decision to release potential claims against the PIF and join LIV 2.0 will be influenced largely by how the PIF manages the wind-up of LIV 1.0.”

Earlier in the year, the PIF offered contract settlements for up to two cents on the dollar, and thanks to the bankruptcy filings, ongoing court hearings are determining the league's future.

Although BC Partners pledged $300 million for the 2027 season contingent on securing sufficient player commitments, LIV Golf has struggled to retain talent for its next year.

Sunday served as the official commitment cutoff, the deadline may face further postponement as many of the stars' futures are still in question.

Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith have yet to announce if they are looking to stay with LIV Golf 2.0, meanwhile Ryder Cup stars Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton have both de-committed from the league.

“Wanted to confirm that I will not be a part of LIV Golf 2.0,” Hatton wrote on Instagram, in text laid over an image of him walking on a golf course.

“A big thank you to everyone for their continued support. I am excited for what the next chapter of my career holds. Looking forward to seeing you all in Abu Dhabi.”