LIV Golf has officially opened its offseason transfer window, allowing teams to trade players and make new signings ahead of the 2026 season.
The offseason rules define three player categories — the Lock Zone, Open Zone, and Drop Zone — each determining a player’s status and eligibility for next season.
Lock Zone – Safe for 2026
Players who finished inside the top 24 of the 2025 individual standings automatically retain their spots in the league. If a player’s contract expires but they’re in this zone, they receive a one-year extension by default. However, they can decline the offer and test free agency to sign with another team.
Notable names in the Lock Zone include Jon Rahm, Joaquin Niemann, Bryson DeChambeau, Talor Gooch, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson — who is believed to have agreed a new deal with LIV.
Open Zone – Uncertain Futures
Golfers who finished between 25th and 48th fall into the Open Zone. If they’re in the final year of their contract, they become free agents. Teams may choose to re-sign them or let them go. If no team picks them up, they lose their place in the league.
This fate befell players like Pat Perez, John Catlin, and Eugenio Chacarra. Perez, once part of Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces, moved into broadcasting as a LIV Golf commentator after being released. Chacarra reportedly clashed with captain Sergio Garcia and is now chasing a PGA Tour card and a possible Ryder Cup spot.
Drop Zone – Relegated Players
Those finishing 49th or worse are relegated from LIV Golf. Among the notable names dropping out this year are Henrik Stenson, Anthony Kim, and Mito Pereira.
Previously, relegated players could stay if they made a “business case” to LIV, while team captains were exempt from the drop. Both policies have now been scrapped to align LIV Golf more closely with the Official World Golf Ranking’s standards.
Pathways Back
Relegated players still have opportunities to return. The International Series Order of Merit winner — and potentially the top two players — earn direct qualification. Additionally, the LIV Golf Promotions event will award one more spot for the 2026 season.
What’s Next
As of now, no official new signings have been confirmed. However, reports suggest that at least two PGA Tour winners are in advanced negotiations to join LIV. Meanwhile, veterans Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson are both believed to have signed contract extensions to continue their LIV journeys.
With the offseason window now open, fans can expect plenty of transfer drama, team reshuffles, and new faces ahead of the 2026 campaign.
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