CME Group CEO Blasts LPGA's Decision To Show Season Finale's Third Round On Tape Delay
CME Group CEO Terry Duffy has strongly criticized the LPGA Tour's decision not to broadcast live coverage of the third round of the CME Group Tour Championship, calling it "bulls**t."
The season-ending tournament, which offers the largest single prize in women's golf history at $4 million, will only show Saturday's third round on tape delay from 4-7pm ET on Golf Channel.
Man speaking at outdoor press conference
Duffy expressed his disappointment to The Palm Beach Post, stating, "I think that it's inappropriate for a tournament of this magnitude to be on tape delay." He has communicated his concerns to LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan.
Woman speaking into mic
World No.1 Nelly Korda, who has won seven times this season, agrees with the need for better coverage: "We need primetime TV. We need more hours on TV. We have a great product out here."
Woman with two golden trophies
The controversy comes as the LPGA Tour announced its largest prize money distribution in its 75-year history, with more than $131 million scheduled for 2025. The timing of the broadcast decision is particularly notable as the PGA Tour's RSM Classic will air live during the same time slot.
Duffy emphasized the importance of equal treatment in sports coverage: "If you are going to continue to build women's sports, you have to give them the same billing as men and stop the nonsense of saying we have to show the men's tournament because they're the men."
This isn't the first time Duffy has expressed frustration with the LPGA Tour's management. Two years ago, he was "extremely disappointed" when no players attended a CME Group dinner event, warning that the LPGA risks losing sponsors over such issues.