Saudi Arabia’s Major Investment Gives Ladies European Tour Big Prize Money Boost
The Ladies European Tour (LET), one of the top women’s professional golf circuits, is set for a huge financial uplift thanks to fresh backing from Saudi Arabia. This deal promises to significantly raise prize money and opportunities for women golfers, further strengthening the global women’s game.
This major investment comes from Aramco, Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil giant, which has been expanding its influence in sports over the past few years. The company has committed to doubling its sponsorship deal with the LET through 2025, ensuring the prize pot increases by at least $1 million over the next two seasons.
The move is expected to draw more top players to the LET, boost competitiveness, and improve the financial stability of women’s golf — a sport that has long fought for equality compared to its male counterparts.
A Major Step Forward for Women’s Golf
Under the expanded agreement, total prize money on the LET is expected to exceed $38 million this season, a record figure for the circuit. This includes five Aramco Team Series events, where players compete for a combined purse of $5 million, and the Aramco Saudi Ladies International, which now boasts a $5 million prize pool — matching the men’s Saudi International.
Alexandra Armas, CEO of the LET, praised the boost, saying, “This deal will give us long-term security and help us invest further in the Tour, our players, and women’s golf.”
Many female golfers have welcomed the extra funding, as it provides them with better earning opportunities and allows more players to make a sustainable living from the sport. Historically, women’s golf tours have offered significantly lower prize money compared to men’s events, creating financial pressure for players even at the highest levels.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Sports Strategy
Saudi Arabia’s involvement in global sports has grown sharply in recent years. From Formula 1 to boxing, football, and now golf, the country has poured billions of dollars into major sporting events and sponsorships. This is part of the government’s “Vision 2030” plan, which aims to diversify its economy away from oil and improve its global image.
In golf, Saudi Arabia has been especially active. Besides backing the LET, the country is the financial force behind the controversial LIV Golf league, which has shaken up men’s professional golf by offering massive prize funds and guaranteed contracts.
While some critics accuse Saudi Arabia of “sportswashing” — using sports investments to distract from its human rights record — others argue that the influx of money is helping underfunded sectors like women’s sports gain long-overdue support.
Changing the Game for Female Golfers
The new Saudi-backed funding is expected to have ripple effects throughout women’s golf. Bigger prize money can attract more top international players to the LET, raising the quality of competition and media attention. It can also create stronger pathways for younger players who aspire to turn professional, as more tournaments with better financial rewards become available.
Liz Young, a veteran LET player, said in a recent interview, “This is a game-changer. We’ve been fighting for recognition and financial support for years. Now we finally have a platform that can help us compete on a global stage.”
Beyond the financial side, the Aramco Team Series events have also introduced an innovative format that mixes professional golfers with amateur players in a team competition. This fresh approach has helped draw new fans and create more excitement around the women’s game.
Balancing Growth and Criticism
Despite the excitement around the increased funding, there are ongoing debates about Saudi Arabia’s influence in sports. Human rights groups have raised concerns that the country’s sports investments are aimed at covering up issues like gender inequality, political repression, and limited freedom of speech.
For female athletes, the partnership comes with complicated questions. On one hand, the funding dramatically improves their financial prospects. On the other hand, some feel uneasy about where the money comes from and what it represents.
The LET leadership has acknowledged these concerns but emphasized the positive outcomes for the sport. “We are focused on growing women’s golf and providing more opportunities for players,” Armas said. “Our players deserve better pay and better conditions, and this investment helps us deliver that.”
Looking Ahead
With this new financial injection, the Ladies European Tour is poised for one of its strongest seasons yet. Players, organizers, and fans are hopeful that the momentum will continue — not only increasing prize money but also raising the global profile of women’s golf.
In the coming years, all eyes will be on whether this Saudi-backed partnership leads to sustained growth or whether concerns about the source of funding will overshadow the sporting achievements.
For now, however, female golfers on the LET have a reason to celebrate: they’re finally seeing the kind of investment and attention they have long deserved.
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