• Loading stock data...
Monday, January 12, 2026

LPGA’s Record Prize Money Highlights Major Investment in Women’s Sports

  • In 2024, the LPGA Tour Championship will pay out $11 million.
  • The winner’s share of $4 million will be on par with top men’s golf events.
Syndication: The Enquirer

The LPGA’s CME Group Tour Championship tees off on Thursday with a purse of $7 million — a season-high outside of the major championships. 

Next year, that number will be even bigger.

In 2024, the LPGA’s season-ending event will pay out $11 million, including a whopping $4 million check for the winner. The total purse matches that of the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open, while the winner’s portion will double this weekend’s prize — and is on par with the $4 million awarded to winners at many of the PGA Tour’s signature events and LIV Golf’s cash-induced tournaments. 

It’s also more than any men’s major offered to its winner in 2023.

The additional funding comes from title sponsor CME Group, which has extended its deal through 2025. 

It’s not the only sponsor stepping up to support women’s golf this year. Ally is reportedly close to a deal with the U.S. Women’s Open, while KPMG and AIG both extended their respective deals with the Women’s PGA Championship and Women’s British Open this year as purses continued to increase across the board.

Not Just Golf

Women’s soccer has also seen an influx of new money this year, highlighted by new $240 million media rights deals for the NWSL that begin next season. Expansion fees for the league are trending north of $50 million.

Internationally, the Women’s FA Cup is doubling its prize money to more than $7 million, and Football Australia is boosting its women’s national team player salaries.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Batbox

Bowling’s Blueprint Is Powering the New Social Gaming Boom

New venues are fusing sports, entertainment, and good food.

Koepka’s Reinstatement Decision Clouds Start of PGA Tour Season

Koepka has applied for reinstatement just as the new year begins.
exclusive

WNBA Telling Teams They Can Send Free Agent Offers Amid CBA Uncertainty

“Without a real salary cap, no one is going to sign anything.”

WNBA Union Highlights Big Gap With NBA Health Benefits

WNBA players have far more limited health benefits.

Featured Today

Black Rabbit

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.
January 6, 2026

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.

NFL Coaching Searches Heat Up As Harbaugh, LaFleur Rumors Swirl

Eight teams are still searching for their next head coach.
January 9, 2026

New York Is First World Cup City to Charge for a Fan..

Some cities have said events will be free, while others won’t commit.
Sep 19, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) dribbles against New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) during the second half of game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena.
January 9, 2026

WNBA’s Stalled CBA Talks Will Lead to a Free-Agency Sprint

Free agency has been fully grounded due to delays in CBA negotiations.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
January 9, 2026

Maui PGA Tour Return in Limbo After The Sentry’s Cancellation

The Sentry, which was canceled, was supposed to be Jan. 8–11.
Breanna Stewart
January 8, 2026

WNBA, Players Won’t Reach Labor Deal by Friday Deadline

A “status quo” period now appears likely.
May 26, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Flag holders unfold the American flag prior to a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field.
January 8, 2026

MLB Launches Leaguewide Push for America’s 250th Anniversary

Commemorations of the nation’s founding will involve every league department.
January 8, 2026

NFL Coach and GM Tracker: 25% of Teams Searching for New Coaches

Eight NFL teams are in the midst of head coaching searches.