The LPGA, the premier governing body of women’s golf in the United States, has solidified its major commercial partnership with CME Group, renowned for its comprehensive offerings in financial derivatives, extending their collaboration through 2027.
The newly announced deal, made public on November 20, secures CME Group’s position as the title sponsor for the highly anticipated CME Group Tour Championship, which is scheduled to take place in picturesque Naples, Florida, from November 21 to 24. This strategic agreement also encompasses the esteemed season-long Race to the CME Globe points competition, continuing through the 2025 and 2026 tournaments.
Since 2011, CME has proudly sponsored the prestigious Florida event, which has achieved a significant milestone this year by boasting the largest prize purse in the history of women’s golf.
Set to take place in 2024, the CME Group Tour Championship will feature an impressive total purse of $11 million, with a staggering $4 million awarded to the champion. The second-place finisher will receive a substantial $1 million prize.
Established in 2014, the Race to the CME Globe has become an integral part of the LPGA calendar, providing players with a point accumulation system throughout the season that ultimately determines their entry into the coveted Naples event.
In terms of its on-site presence in Naples, CME Group will host clients during a pro-am tournament in the days leading up to the Tour Championship, known as the Financial Face-Off. The climax of this tournament will see two leading teams joined by LPGA stars Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko for an exciting playoff showdown.
Mollie Marcoux Samaan, the commissioner of the LPGA, expressed her thoughts on the partnership, stating: “CME Group’s long-term vision and commitment have consistently propelled women’s golf forward since they first partnered with the LPGA in 2011, and their continued investment in our players is a testament to their belief in the future of women’s sports.” She went on to highlight that “Our partnership with CME Group has been a game-changer for the LPGA, and we can’t wait to continue to work together toward further growth and impact.”
Last year’s CME Group Tour Championship was notably won by Amy Yang from South Korea, showcasing the competitive spirit and international talent within the tournament.
How does the CME Group Tour Championship contribute to the growth of women’s golf on a global scale?
**Interview with LPGA Executive on CME Group Partnership**
**Editor:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with [Guest Name], an executive from the LPGA. Thank you for joining us!
**Guest:** Thank you for having me!
**Editor:** Let’s dive right in. The LPGA has just announced a significant partnership extension with the CME Group, solidifying their title sponsorship through 2027. Can you share what this deal means for the LPGA?
**Guest:** Absolutely! This partnership is vital for us, especially at the conclusion of our season with the CME Group Tour Championship. It not only reinforces the LPGA’s commitment to elevating women’s golf but also allows us to provide enhanced opportunities and greater exposure for our players. CME’s leadership in the financial sector brings invaluable resources and visibility to our events.
**Editor:** The CME Group Tour Championship is known for its competitive field. With the largest purse of $11 million, how do you see this affecting player performance and interest in the event?
**Guest:** The substantial purse certainly adds an exciting edge to the competition. Players are motivated not just by the financial reward but also the prestige of competing at this level. Moreover, with ESPN+ streaming exclusive live coverage of the event, we anticipate increased viewership, which is essential for the growth of women’s sports overall [[1](https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2024/11/exclusively-on-espn-live-coverage-of-featured-groups-at-cme-group-tour-championship-finale-of-2024-lpga-tour-season/)].
**Editor:** You mentioned the Race to the CME Globe points competition, which is part of this partnership. How does this competition impact the overall LPGA season?
**Guest:** The Race to the CME Globe is integral to our tour. It creates an ongoing storyline throughout the season and encourages players to perform consistently well across events. This partnership extension ensures that we can continue to promote this exciting competition, engaging fans and encouraging participation from our top athletes.
**Editor:** what message do you hope this partnership sends to fans and sponsors about the future of women’s golf?
**Guest:** We want to emphasize that women’s golf is a growing and dynamic sport with incredible talent and stories to tell. Through partnerships like these, we’re not just building opportunities for athletes but also paving the way for future generations. We invite everyone to engage with us, whether through watching tournaments, attending events, or becoming sponsors.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, [Guest Name]. It sounds like an exciting time for the LPGA and its partnership with CME Group!
**Guest:** Thank you! We’re looking forward to a great event and an even brighter future for women’s golf.
