LIV Golf is bidding to shake up its format still further with the launch of its first ever mid-season trading window, which will enable team captains to switch up their teams during the middle of the 14-event schedule.
The period in which players can be traded runs for a month – May 8-June 9 – during which time teams are free to negotiate trades in which a straight swap of players takes place. Both teams must agree to the trade and modifications to players’ contracts may not take place.
In addition, players in the final year of their contract may negotiate an extension with their current team during this window.
Speaking about the move, LIV Golf Commissioner Greg Norman said: “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.
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“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.”
During last year’s off-season trading window, Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces GC acquired Harold Varner III in a trade with RangeGoats GC for Peter Uihlein. The RangeGoats, captained by Bubba Watson, also brought in Matthew Wolff from Smash GC, with Brooks Koepka’s team receiving Talor Gooch, the 2023 LIV Golf League individual champion, in return.
In addition, Carlos Ortiz, previously of Fireballs GC, earned a top 24 position in last year’s standings and opted for free agency to sign with Torque GC. That opened up a spot on the Fireballs roster, with captain Sergio Garcia signing free agent David Puig.
Players finishing in the top 24 of the 54-player ranking at the end of the 13th event secure their 2025 spot in the league. 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 – the ‘Drop Zone’ – are relegated out of the league but qualify for the 2024 LIV Golf Promotions tournament, where the top three players earn a place for the following season.
