With more TV coverage, increased prize money and a global focus, the LPGA Tour is set for a major transformation in 2026.
Starting in 2026, fans won’t miss a single shot on the LPGA Tour: for the first time in its history, every round will be broadcast live. This leap in visibility is made possible by a new partnership with FM, Golf Channel, Trackman and CNBC. The new model promises not only more cameras but also a more immersive experience—slow-motion replays, drone footage, tee-box microphones and shot-tracing on nearly every hole. Craig Kessler, the recently appointed Commissioner, calls it the beginning of a new chapter. The LPGA Tour aims not just to show what happens, but how it feels. His message is clear: visibility is not a side note, but a core driver of a growing tour.
Craig Kessler’s Vision: Structure, Trust and Future Growth
Since taking the helm this summer, Craig Kessler has brought a strategic mindset to the LPGA Tour, shaped by his experience with the PGA of America, Topgolf and management consulting. His approach is based on the “flywheel” model: improve the product, attract more fans, increase media rights and sponsorships, and reinvest the revenue into the tour. Financially, the LPGA is stepping up. The 2026 season will feature a record $128 million in prize money across 31 events. Fourteen tournaments will see significant increases, with up to $2 million more per event. Behind the scenes, Kessler is actively engaging with players, listening to their concerns and visiting them in their hometowns. “There’s no fixed path to building trust,” he says. “But without trust, nothing moves forward.”
Global Reach and the Possibility of an Asian Major
The LPGA Tour is also embracing a stronger international presence. The 2026 schedule spans 13 countries, including two swings in Asia and one in Europe. Supporting this expansion, Japanese streaming platform U-NEXT will exclusively broadcast all tournaments and women’s majors starting in 2026. Japan, already home to several season winners, is considered a high-engagement market. The LPGA is reinforcing this with always-available content, opening the door to a potential major in Asia. Kessler’s response? “Absolutely.”