LPGA Sponsors Show Support For Female Pay Increases

After revealing US$417 million (AUD$604 million) in official PGA prize money across it’s events, the LPGA purse has grown to US$95 million (AUD$137 million) across its 33 events, as sponsors drive the advancements for equal pay.

LPGA tournament sponsor, Chevron, increased its payout from $3.1 million to $5 million, while healthcare provider increased the purse to $10 million, doubling 2021’s amount.

Additionally, the total prize pool across all five LPGA majors has increased, with this year’s total being worth US$37 million (AUD$53 million) compared to the US$23.3 million (AUD$33 million) in 2021.

Commenting on the sponsorship money increase, LPGA commissioner, Mollie Marcoux Samaan, said: “Our partners are integral to everything we do from a financial standpoint.”

“If they’re going to put their name on an event, they want it to represent their brand,” said Marcoux Samaan.

KPMG Managing director and national sports industry leader, Shawn Quill said the LPGA’s relationship with sponsors to develop female representation in the sport.

“Sponsors really do act in a more forthright way in terms of trying to advance and change things in the LGPA,” Quill said.

“The LPGA desperately want the level of their tournaments and the experience for the athletes who are a part of their association to be the absolute best it can be.

“Whatever we can do to make their experience enjoyable, increasing their performance, help them show what they can do, we want to do that. And those things constantly change,” he said.