Photo Courtesy of AP
Building on the tech-infused, arena-based success of the men’s TGL, this new league is designed to bring women’s golf into a high-octane, prime-time environment. Here is everything you need to know about the launch, the players, and the financial landscape of WTGL.
2025 Mike Ehrmann/TGL
What is WTGL? The Future of Women’s Golf
WTGL is a tech-driven, indoor simulator league that features the world’s best LPGA stars. Unlike traditional 72-hole stroke play across vast courses, WTGL matches are held in a custom-built arena, combining a massive simulator for long shots with a dynamic, motorized chipping and putting complex for the short game.
Key Dates for 2026 and Beyond
* Inaugural Season: The league is scheduled to debut in Winter 2026-27.
* The Schedule: Matches will take place during the LPGA offseason (typically between late November and January), ensuring no conflict with the traditional tour schedule.
* Venue: All matches will be played at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida—the same state-of-the-art, 1,500-seat venue used by the men’s TGL.
Who’s Involved? Teams and Ownership
While the full roster of players and team names is still being finalized, the “founding fathers” and investors of the league are already making waves.
The Power Players
* TMRW Sports: Led by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and CEO Mike McCarley, the group provides the technological backbone and the SoFi Center venue.
* The LPGA: Commissioner Craig Kessler has championed WTGL as a “pillar of visibility” to grow the fan base and commercial value of the athletes.
Early Ownership & Investors
The team structure will mirror the men’s league, with city-based franchises.
* Alexis Ohanian: The Reddit co-founder and lead owner of Los Angeles Golf Club (LAGC) has expressed “first right of refusal” for a women’s team in LA.
* Celebrity Backing: Current TGL investors like Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Michelle Wie West are expected to play significant roles in the expansion of the women’s division.
Nelly Korda
Athletes: Who Will Compete?
While the official roster will be released throughout 2026, the league is built specifically for LPGA Tour Stars. Fans can expect to see the biggest names in the game—potentially including icons like Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko, or Rose Zhang—competing in a “mic’d up” environment that emphasizes personality and team strategy.
Money, Profits, and Sponsorships
The financial outlook for women’s golf in 2026 is at an all-time high, and WTGL is a major catalyst.
2026 Financial Landscape
A record-breaking $132 million across 33 events.
WTGL Commercial Model is Expected to follow the TGL blueprint: high-value media rights and “simulcast” sponsorship.
Title Sponsor will be SoFi which remains the primary venue partner, with more league-wide sponsors to be named in mid-2026.
Investment Strategy will include Teams being sold as high-growth tech/sports assets, similar to NWSL or WNBA franchises.
Sponsorship Value
The draw for sponsors like FM Global, Ally Financial, and KPMG (who are already heavily invested in the LPGA) is the demographic. TGL’s inaugural season drew the second-youngest audience in sports (behind only the NBA). WTGL aims to capture that same Gen Z and Millennial interest, offering brands a “prime-time” window that traditional golf often misses.
Craig Kessler LPGA Commissioner
Why It Matters: The Growth of the Game
WTGL isn’t just a new tournament; it’s a shift in how golf is consumed. By moving the game into a 2-hour, fast-paced format, the LPGA is looking to:
* Increase Visibility: Putting female athletes on national TV during the winter months.
* Highlight Personalities: Using mic’d up players to build “fan-to-athlete” connections.
* Drive Innovation: Proving that women’s sports can lead in the “Sportainment” category.
> “WTGL creates another global stage for our athletes—one that helps fans connect more deeply with them and continues to elevate the visibility and growth of women’s golf.” — Craig Kessler, LPGA Commissioner
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