• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

While Nelly Korda Chases History, LPGA Tries to Close a Coverage Gap

  • The women’s golf tour began a media deal with the network last year.
  • Streaming coverage of the LPGA is far smaller than on the PGA Tour.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Scottie Scheffler isn’t playing in the PGA Tour’s next $20 million signature event this week as the Masters champion and winner of four out of his last five tournaments continues to await the birth of his first child. However, on the LPGA Tour, Nelly Korda (above), winner of five straight, is back in action looking to become the first women’s golfer to claim six consecutive victories.

As the action unfolds, ESPN+ is pulling double duty on its golf coverage—but not all things are equal. The streaming service will broadcast from the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, and the Cognizant Founders Cup in Clifton, N.J., which carries a $3 million purse. While ESPN’s separate media-rights deals with those tours aren’t directly correlated with the difference in prize money this week (or any other), it does highlight the disparity between the men’s and women’s games off the course.

During the first two rounds Thursday and Friday, viewers of PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will be able to choose from a main feed, marquee groups, featured groups, and featured holes before afternoon coverage on Golf Channel. ESPN is paying the PGA Tour $75 million annually, according to The New York Times. LPGA fans have two featured group options during each of the morning and afternoon waves ahead of afternoon coverage on Peacock. “The women’s production is slimmer than the PGA Tour production,” John Lasker, senior vice president at ESPN+, admits in a conversation with Front Office Sports

Room to Grow

The Founders Cup is just the third LPGA event with ESPN+ coverage since a streaming deal was struck in November (NBC Sports is the LPGA’s primary media-rights holder). ESPN+ will broadcast from two more LPGA events this year and eight total during the lifespan of the deal that runs into 2025. ESPN wouldn’t comment on the financial terms of the LPGA deal, although a source tells FOS that the tour is sharing production costs with the network. Lasker says production resources, financing, and sponsorship capability dictate what ESPN+ can and can’t offer.

“Deals come in all shapes and sizes,” Lasker says. “So, I wouldn’t suggest that the LPGA deal is really an outlier or overly unique. We do deals that look and smell like this all the time.” While ESPN+ doesn’t release viewership metrics, Lasker claims the LPGA coverage so far has exceeded expectations. 

Overall, the LPGA deal is part of ESPN’s growing portfolio of women’s sports, from the WNBA to college sports to the NWSL and more. Lasker wouldn’t rule out expanding LPGA coverage when the time is right. “If you just compare [golf] to any other sport, it’s crazy to imagine that there’s action happening that isn’t distributed and available,” he says.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Ryder Cup: Secret Service Key to Smooth Trump Attendance

Trump’s attendance at the US Open delayed the men’s final.
Sep 13, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Oracle Park.

Dodgers Pitcher Clayton Kershaw Retiring After 18 Seasons

Kershaw is fourth all-time in career earnings for a pitcher.
exclusive

Stan Verrett Joining FanDuel Sports Network in Multiple Roles

The former ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor has found a new home.

ESPN Draws Highest ‘MNF’ Doubleheader Audience Since 2015

Buccaneers–Texans and Chargers–Raiders averaged 13.5 million viewers.

Featured Today

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.
exclusive
September 16, 2025

ESPN, Fox One Added 1M Sign-Ups in First 10 Days After Launch

The two high-profile streaming services have strong starts with consumers.
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a reception defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 16, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Sets Early NFL TV Ratings Mark

Several new milestones are established with the big early-season matchup.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Greg Olsen
September 16, 2025

Greg Olsen on Tom Brady’s Raiders Role: ‘More Power to Him’

This season, the NFL has relaxed the special Brady broadcasting rules.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
September 15, 2025

WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence

Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.
September 15, 2025

Amazon Shatters Previous Ratings High for 1st NFL Game

“TNF” viewership surges 35% compared to the 2024 season average.
Las Vegas Aces
September 15, 2025

WNBA Playoffs Face ESPN Fall Crunch For Final Time

The games will be spread across three networks next year.