LIV Golf announced on Wednesday that the tour would be introducing a “trade window” whereby teams would be afforded the opportunity to swap players if they so choose.
Up until now, teams have remained consistent throughout the course of the LIV season. However, the organization will now allow the 13 teams to negotiate with each other up until June 9th if they want to explore altering their rosters. Any deals made will not affect any contracts previously signed by the players.
“As LIV Golf grows, the League will continue to establish opportunities to strengthen the competition. By opening a trade window midway through the season, all 13 teams have an opportunity to fine-tune their rosters and assess their team’s composition and performance,” said LIV Golf Commissioner Greg Norman. “LIV Golf is delivering another exciting opportunity for professional golf that aligns with the traditions of many team sports around the globe, promoting strategic player moves and enriched team storylines.”
In addition to any in-season trades, teams will also be able to negotiate contract extensions with players who are playing in the final year of their current team deals as well. As it currently stands, only the top 24 players are guaranteed contracts for the following season, with the others needing to either qualify or be re-signed by their current team.
“Players finishing in the top 24 Lock Zone at the end of the 13th event secure their 2025 spot in the League,” the tour clarified in a statement. “Players finishing 25-48 in the Open Zone who are out of contract will need to be re-signed by their team or picked up by another team. Players finishing 49 and below in the Drop Zone are relegated out of the League and qualify for the 2024 LIV Golf Promotions tournament.”
Last offseason LIV saw several players traded including Harold Varner III being swapped for Peter Uihlein, and Matthew Wolff being swapped for Talor Gooch amongst others. Under the new rules, teams will have 1 month to complete any in season trades with other teams.
The next stop for LIV is the Golf Club of Houston which will play host to an event between June 7th and 9th.
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