Sports
LIV Golf Launches 2026 Roster Shake-Up: Free Agency, Trades, and Promotions Set to Reshape Teams
LONDON & NEW YORK (FNN SPORTS) – The LIV Golf League has officially entered its offseason transfer window, giving team captains and general managers the opportunity to reshape their rosters ahead of what promises to be the biggest and most competitive season yet in 2026.
This crucial period allows teams to secure players who finished in the Top 24 of the individual standings (Lock Zone), offer contract extensions to those in the Open Zone, and make strategic trades, free-agent signings, or recruitments from new talent pools, including the LIV Golf Promotions and International Series.
A Dynamic Offseason for Teams and Players
The offseason marks a time of transformation across the league, with several teams losing key players while others seek to strengthen their lineups. Captains and general managers now have the chance to evaluate talent and build squads capable of contending for championships in 2026.
HyFlyers GC Captain Phil Mickelson shared his excitement about the roster window:
“Every team has the chance to re-evaluate and build something special in the offseason, just like in other major sports. It keeps fans invested and engaged, and there’s terrific excitement heading into next year.”
He added, “Losing a player on HyFlyers GC this season opens the door to bring in someone who can elevate our team even more. I love the culture we’ve built, and I’m excited to add to our camaraderie and commitment to championship-caliber golf.”
Individual Standings Determine Player Status
LIV Golf’s Individual Championship standings play a key role in determining each player’s status:
Lock Zone (Top 24): Guaranteed a roster spot in 2026, with at least a one-year contract extension offer.
Open Zone (25–48): Players may be re-signed, traded, or enter free agency.
Drop Zone (49+): Players are relegated but can requalify through LIV Golf Promotions or the International Series.
Spanish superstar Jon Rahm capped an impressive 2025 season by claiming both the Individual Title and the Team Championship with Legion XIII, followed by Joaquin Niemann (Torque GC) and Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC).
The 24 players finishing the 2025 LIV Golf season in the Lock Zone, securing their place in the League for the 2026 season (image: LIV Golf)
Free Agency, Trades, and the Road to 2026
Free agency includes Lock Zone players declining extensions, Open Zone players without renewed contracts, or external recruits. Teams can also pursue trades or sign talent from the Asian Tour-sanctioned International Series, which continues to serve as a key pipeline for rising players.
The 24 players finishing the 2025 LIV Golf season in the Open Zone, eligible for potential contract extensions, trades, or new team signings ahead of the 2026 season (image: LIV Golf)
Players relegated to the Drop Zone—ranked 49th or lower—can earn their way back through LIV Golf Promotions, an elite qualifying event that will soon announce its next edition.
The players finishing the 2025 LIV Golf season in the Drop Zone, facing relegation from the League and potential replacement ahead of the 2026 season (image: LIV Golf)
The 2026 LIV Golf season will feature tournaments across 10 countries and five continents, kicking off with the season opener in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Feb. 5–7, 2026). All events will include live concert performances, with tickets and the full schedule available now at LIVGolf.com.
Children aged 12 and under receive complimentary Grounds Pass admission (two per paying adult). Fans are encouraged to buy early as ticket inventory is limited.
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Stay connected with Florida National News and FNN News Network for the latest updates on LIV Golf, offseason roster moves, and the 2026 global schedule.
Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
Shooting struggles and a costly third quarter leave Orlando winless through two games under first-year coach Sean Sweeney
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — A new coaching era has opened with consecutive losses for the Orlando Magic, who fell 115-93 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at Kia Center.
Orlando dropped to 0-2 under first-year head coach Sean Sweeney as shooting struggles again slowed its offense. The Magic also struggled with turnovers and missed free throws, repeating problems from their season-opening loss to Atlanta. Yahoo Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards handles the ball as Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero contests the play at Kia Center in Orlando on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Minnesota defeated Orlando 115-93. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.
Third-quarter struggles prove costly
Minnesota led 57-45 at halftime before taking control in the third quarter. The Timberwolves closed the period with a 17-3 run, building an 86-60 advantage heading into the fourth. Orlando could not recover from the 26-point deficit. reuters.com
Carter leads Orlando
Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 20 points and nine rebounds to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner scored 18 points before fouling out, while Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs added 14 apiece.
Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels each scored 15 points for Minnesota, which improved to 2-0. Rudy Gobert contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Reuters
Perimeter shooting remains a concern
Orlando made just eight of its 39 attempts from 3-point range, shooting 20.5%. Minnesota connected on 37.8% of its attempts from beyond the arc. reuters.com
Two games offer a limited measure of Sweeney’s tenure, but the early results identify an immediate challenge: improving offensive execution and preventing difficult stretches from becoming decisive runs.
Central Florida News
Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Select 25 Coaches for 2027 Academy, Five for Fellowships
Central Florida News
Orlando Magic Expand ThreatLocker Partnership With Warmup Branding, Cybersecurity Campaign
Orlando Magic, ThreatLocker Add Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign and Courtside Branding
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic and Orlando-based cybersecurity company ThreatLocker have expanded their partnership to include player warmup branding, courtside signage and a cybersecurity awareness campaign, the team announced Oct. 21.
ThreatLocker’s branding will appear on the Magic’s player warmup shirts for all home and away games, as well as front-row courtside seatback covers at Kia Center.
Campaign to Share Online Safety Tips
Timed to coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the awareness campaign includes an opening-night commercial featuring ThreatLocker CEO and co-founder Danny Jenkins.
The spot will offer tips to help fans and Orlando-area residents protect themselves online, according to the announcement.
“As a Magic Champion of the Community partner since 2023, ThreatLocker has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community,” Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman said. “We’re excited to help raise cybersecurity awareness and continue growing their brand and our collective community impact.”
Branding Extends Across Games and Broadcasts
The agreement also includes a season-long commercial campaign and a custom-branded broadcast feature. ThreatLocker will receive exposure through MagicTV 27 in Central Florida and the team’s regional over-the-air broadcast network.
Warmup shirt branding will give the company visibility during pregame activities, player-focused content and game broadcasts, according to the announcement.
“We’re delighted that this partnership will help fans stay safe online,” Jenkins said. “And with October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s a great opportunity to share a few simple steps everyone can take to better protect themselves and their families.”
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