LPGA’s 2026 Vision: A Broadcast Revolution Backed by FM, Golf Channel & Trackman
The LPGA is set to usher in a bold and transformative era in 2026 — one that promises unprecedented live coverage, cutting-edge technology, and a deeper connection between fans and players. Through its newly announced partnership with FM, Golf Channel, and Trackman, the Tour is not just elevating its broadcast, it’s redefining how women’s golf will be experienced.
A Historic Broadcast Shift: Live, for Every Round
Starting in 2026, every single round of every LPGA Tour event will be aired live on linear television — a milestone moment for the organization.
Golf Channel
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This marks the first time in Golf Channel’s more than 30-year relationship with the LPGA that it will carry full live coverage week after week.
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Select rounds will also air on CNBC, widening the reach across the Versant media portfolio.
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This live, round-by-round exposure is more than an operational change. It represents a strategic investment in visibility and legitimacy — giving LPGA players the platform they deserve and fans the unfiltered, real-time drama of tournament golf.
Golf Channel
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More Cameras, More Sound, More Story: Amplifying the LPGA Experience
Beyond just going live, the LPGA’s 2026 broadcast vision includes a major boost in production quality. Key enhancements:
A 50% increase in the number of cameras covering non-major tournaments — meaning more angles, more action.
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Three times as many microphones, enabling richer, more immersive on-course sound.
Golf Channel
Introduction of slow-motion cameras and drone shots, lending a cinematic feel to the coverage.
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A quadrupling of Trackman shot-trace capacity, bringing fans deeper into every shot’s flight path.
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These investments aren’t just technical upgrades. According to LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler, they’re designed to accelerate “everything we’ve been working toward — elevating how everyone will experience the LPGA every single week.”
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Storytelling at the Forefront
One of the most exciting — and often overlooked — dimensions of this new deal is its emphasis on athlete storytelling. The 2026 broadcast will place greater focus on personal narratives, with more “walk-and-talk” interviews, in-round features, and player insight moments.
Golf Channel
By amplifying the voices of LPGA athletes, the Tour aims to deepen its emotional connection with viewers. This approach not only showcases golf skills but also builds personalities, helping fans understand the journey, mindset, and challenges behind each swing.
The Role of FM & Trackman: Partners in Innovation
FM’s Strategic Commitment
FM — a commercial property insurer already deeply involved in golf through its title sponsorship of the FM Championship — is now backing LPGA broadcast on a grander scale.
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According to Malcolm Roberts, FM’s CEO, the company sees this as “supporting the transformation of the LPGA Tour’s broadcast, athlete and fan experience.”
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This isn't just sponsorship — it’s an investment into the future of women’s golf, with FM staking its brand on innovation, production, and long-term growth.
Trackman: Powering Data-Driven Storytelling
Trackman’s involvement is particularly compelling. Known for its radar-based launch monitors and shot-tracing technology, Trackman will quadruple its coverage capabilities on LPGA broadcasts, according to the LPGA.
LPGA
This means that viewers will benefit from:
Real-time ball flight data
Accurate club-head measurements
Detailed analytics that bring insight into player strategy
As Klaus Eldrup-Jørgensen, Trackman’s CEO, put it, the company is thrilled to deepen its investment in the LPGA, helping “elevate the world’s best golfers” and make the data more accessible to fans.
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Strategic Implications for the LPGA
This move is more than a broadcast win — it’s a strategic turning point for the LPGA:
Audience Growth: By airing every round live, the LPGA is likely to expand its viewership, reaching casual viewers and hardcore golf fans alike.
Brand Elevation: Enhanced production quality and storytelling give the LPGA a more polished and modern broadcast identity.
Sponsor Momentum: FM’s deepening commitment signals to other potential partners that the Tour is ready for serious, long-term commercial partnerships.
Player Visibility: With more camera coverage and shot-tracing, LPGA players receive the kind of cinematic, data-rich exposure that has been more common in men’s golf broadcasts — helping boost their profiles, marketability, and fan connections.
Challenges & Risks
Of course, making this vision a reality won’t be without challenges:
Financial Pressure: Upgrading production (cameras, drones, mics) is expensive. Sustaining this level of investment requires stable sponsorship.
Execution Risk: Live coverage, especially with more technical elements, increases the risk of production glitches.
Audience Expectations: With higher production quality comes higher viewer expectations. The LPGA must deliver consistency or risk disappointing fans.
Return on Investment: FM and Trackman will want to see measurable ROI — in brand impact, audience metrics, and engagement.
Conclusion: A Bold Leap for Women’s Golf
In short, the LPGA’s 2026 broadcast overhaul is not just tactical — it’s transformational. By locking in FM and Trackman, and leveraging the reach of Golf Channel, the Tour is making a powerful statement: women’s golf is ready for its most visible, technologically rich, and emotionally resonant era yet.
For fans, it means more access, more drama, and more connection. For players, it’s an opportunity for greater exposure and storytelling. And for the LPGA’s long-term growth, it may very well be a defining moment
