Thursday, August 6, 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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Golf - LIV Golf - United Kingdom - JCB Golf and Country Club, Uttoxeter, Britain - July 24, 2026 Crushers GC's Bryson DeChambeau in action as he hits a tee shot on the fourth hole during the second round

Bryson DeChambeau’s Agency Denies Role in LIV Rescue Deal

BC Partners is reportedly exploring a deal with LIV.
National Women’s Soccer League commissioner Jessica Berman announces Columbus as the league's 18th club at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on April 21, 2026. The club, set to begin play in 2028, will be owned by Haslam Sports Group (HSG), Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.

NWSL Makes Super Bowl Week Part of Its 2027 Kickoff

The NWSL wants to be “woven into” ESPN’s first Super Bowl.

LIV Golf Says New Lead Investor Signed, but Big Questions Remain

LIV had been seeking to raise as much as $350 million.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/6/26 – LIV’s Funding Promise, Disney Sells Out Super Bowl, Inside Tom Brady’s CardVault

0:00

Featured Today

Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
August 6, 2026

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action
August 5, 2026

India Is Stealing Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
WPBL
July 30, 2026

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
Tom's Watch Bar
July 17, 2026

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.

Anthony Rizzo: MLB Doesn’t Have Competitive Balance Problem

The former MLB star talked labor, sports betting, and his own broadcasting.
August 4, 2026

LIV Team Championship Is Still in Limbo After Player-Only Meeting

The LIV Golf New York event begins Thursday.
Aug 5, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Coco Gauff (USA) hits a ball to Kayla Day (not pictured) during round two play of the National Bank Open at Sobeys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
August 6, 2026

Top WTA Stars Weigh In on Tour’s New Genetic Sex Testing Policy

Most top players appear to have little issue with the tour’s decision.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
August 4, 2026

6 Takeaways From Larry Berg’s Introduction As MLS Commissioner

Berg told FOS that media revenue is “uncapped upside.”
Sep 13, 2024; New York, New York, USA; United States chief executive officer and secretary general JT Batson talks to the media during a press conference introducing Mauricio Pochettino (not pictured) as the new head coach for the United States men's national team at Warner Bros. Discovery Hudson Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
August 4, 2026

U.S. Soccer CEO Dodges Questions on Infantino Support

JT Batson deferred broader questions about Infantino to a September board meeting.
Golf - LIV Golf - Korea - Asiad Country Club, Busan, South Korea - May 31, 2026 Ripper GC's Cameron Smith in action during the fourth round
August 4, 2026

Australian LIV Players Lament Possibility of League Folding

LIV New York is being played this week at Trump Bedminster.
Jul 12, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (35) waives to the fans before a game against the Kansas City Royals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
August 4, 2026

Red Sox Turnaround Fuels Rutschman Blockbuster

The Red Sox continue their surge as the Orioles’ attempted turnaround fizzles.