Bryson DeChambeau has stated that he would focus on expanding his YouTube channel if the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit fails to survive. The future of the breakaway league is in doubt after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced plans to withdraw financing at the end of the year, having invested over $5.4 billion since 2022.
DeChambeau's Backup Plan
The two-time major champion, who joined LIV in June 2022 on a reported $125 million contract, has exemptions to play in golf's four major events for at least two more years. However, he has no other tour to play on outside LIV. Speaking at the LIV Golf Virginia event, DeChambeau said: "If we don't find a solution, for me I think it's really enticing, depending on what everybody says on the Tour and what they're going to strike me with as a penalty. From my perspective, I'd love to grow my YouTube channel three times, maybe even more. I'd love to do a bunch of dubbing in different languages, giving the world more reason to watch YouTube. And then I'd love to play tournaments that want me."
Uncertainty Over Contract and Future
Asked whether he was concerned about LIV paying his contract, which expires next year, DeChambeau admitted: "Your guess is as good as mine. I was completely shocked by PIF's withdrawal. A couple months before that, it's like, 'We're here until 2032. We've got financing until 2032.' And then I haven't had any communication and unfortunately things are moving on in a different direction." He also dismissed reports of talks with the PGA Tour as "completely untrue," criticizing the Tour's current state: "The PGA Tour isn't doing great either. They're reducing field sizes, cutting employees and restructuring their business."
Call for Unity in Golf
DeChambeau, who was among 11 golfers who sued the PGA Tour in 2022 over suspensions for joining LIV, later withdrew from the lawsuit. He urged both circuits to resolve their differences: "The egos need to get dropped. Everybody needs to come in with a level-headed playing field, with an opportunistic mindset to grow the game of golf."
