NAPLES, Fla. — LPGA Tour broadcasts are getting some-much needed enhancements aimed at improving the viewer experience, something the players themselves have been asking for.
On Tuesday, the tour announced that it had formed a partnership with Golf Channel, FM and Trackman to add live coverage, state-of-the-art technology equipment, content, cameras and more for all its tournaments in 2026.
“The commitments from FM, Trackman and Golf Channel are a game-changer for our athletes, our fans, our partners and our Tour,” said Craig Kessler, the LPGA commissioner, in a press release. “Starting in 2026, fans will immediately see and feel the difference: more cameras, better technology, richer storytelling and more ways to appreciate the unbelievable skill of our players, fully live. We’re grateful for the shared vision and investment from FM, Trackman and Golf Channel. This is a major step forward for the women’s game, and it’s only the beginning. The next chapter for the LPGA is going to be something special.”
According to the tour, every round of every LPGA tournament will be broadcast live, something that hasn’t happened since Golf Channel began broadcasting LPGA events in 1995. Select weekend rounds will air on CNBC.
In addition, there will be a 50-percent increase in cameras from 2025, including slow-motion cameras, more microphones and more walk-and-talk interviews with players and caddies. Drone coverage will be added and a focus will be on story telling of golfers.
Shortly after taking the job as commissioner in July, Kessler told Golf Digest that improvements in the broadcast were a vital part of his early to-do list. He’s now making good on that.
Golf Channel’s commitment is notable as the cable network, along with CNBC, becomes part of the USA Sports, a sports brand launched after Versant’s spinoff from NBCUniversal that includes NBC’s sports properties.
“2026 will be a great year for LPGA Tour viewers as we will televise every single LPGA Tour event and coverage of every round will be live across the country,” said Tom Knapp, EVP and general manager of Golf Channel, in a statement. “Additionally, we’ve worked together with the LPGA Tour and our partners at FM and Trackman to enhance our production, adding more technology to our telecasts as we continue to be the proud home of the LPGA Tour and showcase the best women’s golfers on the planet every single week.”
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
