Tuesday, July 14, 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

DeChambeau Has Last Chance at 2026 Major Cut—With 3D-Printed Irons

LIV Golf’s biggest star continues to stay busy off the course.
Golf - The 154th Open Championship - Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, Britain - July 13, 2026 General view of a flag with the Claret Jug trophy during practice

Open Championship Stays Out of Prize Money Race With $17.75M Purse

The Masters and U.S. Open paid out $22.5 million purses.
Jul 13, 2026; Southport, England; Justin Rose signs autographs alongside the practice green during a practice round for The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

England World Cup Fever Hitting Golf Fans at The Open

England is hosting the golf major amid the World Cup run.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/14/26 – World Cup Semis, Michigan AD Probe, FanDuel VIP Scandal

0:00

Featured Today

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
Mar 15, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Team USA baseball hat during the World Baseball Classic at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Two Years From LA28, MLB’s Olympic Plan Remains Unsettled

The league and union are still grappling with several logistical issues.
Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Baseball fans react before the final round of the All Star-Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park.
July 14, 2026

MLB All-Star Game Tickets Surpass World Cup Semifinal

The biggest factor is a shortage of tickets on the resale market.
July 14, 2026

MLB Players and Owners Still Miles Apart: ‘I Think It’s Perverse’

Baseball’s management and labor leaders offer very different viewpoints. 
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
John Smoltz acknowledges the crowd during the introduction of returning inductees at the National Baseball Hall of Fame's 2024 induction ceremony Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, New York.
July 14, 2026

John Smoltz: MLB All-Star Game Is ‘Absolutely’ Still the Best

The Hall of Fame pitcher will call the Midsummer Classic for Fox.
July 14, 2026

NBA’s Clippers-Aspiration Ruling to Come After Summer League

The investigation is still ongoing.
Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider speaks at the conference before the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park.
July 14, 2026

All-Star Game Participation Is Sticking Point for Managers

Prominent player absences have helped define this year’s event.
July 13, 2026

Jordan Walker Edges Out Kyle Schwarber in Home Run Derby

The new-look event featured an altered format and new broadcaster.