New LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler announced two upcoming media deals that will bring women’s golf to more screens – one with Golf Channel and one in Japan.
LPGA Tour Partners With Golf Channel, FM and Trackman
The Golf Channel deal, which is also in partnership with FM and Trackman, is a multi-year deal that will allow every LPGA Tour round to be streamed live in the U.S. for the first time ever.
“2026 will be a great year for LPGA Tour viewers as we will televise every single LPGA Tour event and coverage of every round will be live across the country, which is a direct result of Golf Channel and CNBC both being part of the VERSANT portfolio,” said Tom Knapp, EVP and general manager at Golf Channel. “Additionally, we’ve worked together with the LPGA Tour and our partners at FM and Trackman to enhance our production, adding more technology to our telecasts as we continue to be the proud home of the LPGA Tour and showcase the best women’s golfers on the planet every single week.”
Kessler adds, “Starting in 2026, fans will immediately see and feel the difference: more cameras, better technology, richer storytelling and more ways to appreciate the unbelievable skill of our players, fully live.”
For those of us involved in women’s golf and media over the years, all we can say is it’s about time.
LPGA Tour’s Deal With U-NEXT in Japan
Kessler’s next multi-year deal was with U-NEXT in Japan. After such a strong showing from Japan’s players this year, it’s no surprise the tour would want to capitalize on their fanbase and expand coverage overseas.
U-NEXT already had deals with all the major global tours, including the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, the LET and TGL. Their World Golf Pack subscription will bring all of golf to one place.
Kessler said, “This partnership will allow us to expand our reach and deepen our connection with fans across Japan, while showcasing the incredible talent – Japanese and global – competing on the LPGA Tour.”
Kessler has only just begun, but we like the direction he’s taking the LPGA Tour.
