🏌️‍♀️ Where Does the LPGA Go From Here? 5 Priorities for the New Commissioner
By InsideWomensGolf.com
In July 2025, the LPGA announced a major leadership transition, naming Craig Kessler as the new commissioner. Taking over one of the most global and dynamic professional sports tours, the new commissioner inherits both momentum and mounting expectations.
With rising TV ratings, a growing amateur pipeline, and increased sponsorship interest in women’s sports overall, the LPGA stands at a pivotal moment. But to truly grow the tour in meaningful, sustainable ways, leadership will need to balance tradition with transformation.
Here are five key areas we believe the new commissioner should focus on to take the LPGA into its next great chapter.
1. 📺 Secure Better Broadcast Visibility
While the quality of LPGA competition is as good as it’s ever been, finding it on TV is still harder than it should be. Inconsistent scheduling, tape delays, and channel-hopping have hurt fan engagement.
“More people would follow the LPGA if they knew where and when to watch it,” says long-time LPGA fan and blogger [Your Name]. “It’s not about creating demand—it’s about meeting it.”
The commissioner must push for clearer, more reliable broadcast windows, especially for weekend coverage. Whether through Golf Channel, NBC, or direct-to-consumer streaming partnerships, making the product easier to access will be key.
2. 💼 Expand Sponsorships—But Strategically
The LPGA has done a solid job attracting sponsors like CME Group, KPMG, and Gainbridge. But to keep pace with rising purses on the PGA Tour and other global women’s leagues, the tour needs to increase both the number and scale of partnerships.
This could mean:
- Tiered sponsorships for regional events
- Strategic non-golf partners (tech, wellness, finance)
- Allowing more co-sanctioned global events to open up new markets
Growth shouldn’t just mean more—it should mean better.
3. 🌍 Balance Global Expansion with Fan Connection
One of the LPGA’s greatest strengths is its truly international roster—but that also presents logistical and engagement challenges. Expanding in Asia and Europe is vital, but so is maintaining a strong U.S. identity where most media coverage and fan base still resides.
A smarter calendar (with less midseason travel whiplash) and more consistent venues could help the LPGA build event traditions that fans can grow with year after year—like the PGA Tour has with Pebble, Augusta, and Scottsdale.
4. 🏌️‍♀️ Strengthen the Player Development Path
In recent years, we’ve seen exciting talent like Rose Zhang, Lottie Woad, and Grace Kim make immediate impacts on the LPGA. But the journey from elite amateur to pro is still a complex maze.
The LEAP (Elite Amateur Pathway) and LCAP (Collegiate Advancement Pathway) are promising, but they need clearer visibility and support. The new commissioner could:
- Provide better marketing for up-and-coming stars
- Formalize support for college athletes considering early pro status
- Elevate the Epson Tour as a true proving ground, not just a stepping stone
A stronger, more visible pipeline means fans start following future stars before they win their first major.
5. 🙋‍♀️ Make the LPGA More Fan-Centric
Today’s sports fan wants more than just final scores—they want access, storytelling, and interaction. That’s where the LPGA still has room to grow.
- Bring more player mic’d-up content to social media
- Improve post-round interviews and fan Q&As
- Use YouTube, Instagram, and even TikTok to highlight personality, not just performance
The commissioner can make the LPGA the most fan-forward league in golf—a place where the sport’s best athletes are also the most approachable.
đź‘€ Final Thoughts: The Opportunity Ahead
The LPGA doesn’t need to copy the PGA Tour. It doesn’t need to be the WNBA of golf. It just needs to be the best possible version of itself—competitive, visible, player-friendly, and fan-driven.
The new commissioner’s job won’t be easy. But the opportunities have never been greater.
Here at InsideWomensGolf.com, we’ll be watching. And cheering.