The stakes at East Lake have never been higher. A massive $40 million purse is sitting on the table for the 2026 Tour Championship in Atlanta, Georgia. This isn’t just about a trophy. The winner walks away with a $10 million check, and the other 29 players split $30 million. That is a life-changing amount of money for any professional golfer. However, the drama isn’t just about the cash. The real fight is for the 2026 FedEx Cup title.
No more easy advantages for leaders
The format change is the most important thing to note this week. According to Golf.com, all players will start at even par with an equal chance to win. This means the previous stroke advantage for the top ranked players is gone. Finishing first in the FedEx Cup standings earned Scottie Scheffler $23 million on Tour this year, yet he has no head start here.
Where to find the action on TV
Finding the tournament on your television is easy if you know where to look. CBS, Golf Channel, and ESPN will all provide TV coverage. The schedule is packed from Thursday through Sunday. On Thursday, August 27, ESPN starts at 11 a.m. ET, followed by Golf Channel at 1 p.m. ET. Friday looks similar with ESPN and Golf Channel running until 6 p.m. ET. Saturday shifts things around. Golf Channel runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET, then CBS takes over from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET. Sunday features Golf Channel in the morning and CBS for the afternoon finish.
Streaming options for every fan
If you can’t sit in front of a TV, streaming is the way to go. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ offers the most depth. Per Golf.com, this includes featured group and hole coverage for every round. You can also catch a simulcast of the ESPN coverage on Thursday and Friday through ESPN+. For those who prefer Paramount+, the service will air simulcasts of the CBS broadcasts. It is a lot of ways to watch, but the prize remains the same–$40 million total purse.
