LPGA Tour Signs a Massive Broadcasting Contract With $167,29B Giants

With good news pouring in one after the other, the LPGA seems to be headed in the right direction. First, the CME Group Tour Championship raised an extra $4 million to bring a record-breaking non-Major event prize money for the 2024 season. And now, to support the girls and make sure their blood, sweat, and tears are not wasted, the Tour itself has found a new partnership! 

The American women’s golf organization revealed in a press release and later on its social media channels that it has finally landed a contract with the $167,29 billion-worth Disney-owned broadcasting channel, ESPN. Although it comes with limitations, the latest two-year contract might be a way for female golfers to get the recognition they deserve.

What is the LPGA and ESPN deal?

The deal is to stream featured groups of select LPGA Tournaments in 2024 and 2025. Notably, it was revealed a few days ago that ESPN+ would stream featured groups of the 2023 CME Group Tour Championship live.

Interestingly, it is not the first time ESPN broadcasted an LPGA Tour event. Other than the 2023 CME Group Tour Championship, ESPN+ streamed the Kroger Queen City Championship and the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship in 2022. The AIG British Open and the U. S. Women’s Open were some of the few events ESPN Channel aired in the past.

In regards to the contract, Mollie Marcoux Samaan, LPGA Commissioner, said, “We are excited to partner with ESPN+ to elevate women’s golf.” 

Fans have always complained about the lack of coverage of the event. From the commissioner’s comments, it is to be understood that such complaints wouldn’t have to be raised to an extent in the upcoming season. “Fans are in for a real treat as we create unique broadcasts to bring them closer to the action,” she added.

What are the LPGA events that ESPN+ would stream in 2024? 

ESPN is not a newcomer in sports broadcasting. With such experience, they have taken up the challenge to enhance the viewing experience on LPGA in 2024. 

Read More: What Is the Biggest Paying Event on LPGA? How Can Next Season Put a Bigger Smile on the Women Golfers Than 2023?

ESPN and the LPGA Tour confirmed the season’s final event, the CME Group Tour Championship, would be part of the selected events. However, the fans would have to wait till next season to know which event would be included in this list. 

Nevertheless, the fans can ensure the experience would be rich. Along with the LPGA Commissioner, the senior vice president of ESPN Programming and International, Tim Bunnell, showed excitement about this partnership. “ESPN’s commitment to covering world-class golf and women’s sports has never been stronger,” he said. “Having more of the LPGA on ESPN+ is a vital component of that commitment,” he added.

Watch This Story: As Her Dismal Stretch Continues, Will Lydia Ko Be Able to Maintain Her LPGA Card in 2024?