IMG Media, the international agency, has extended its international television distribution arrangement with the LPGA.

The agreement continues a partnership that stretches back to 1996. At that point, the LPGA was seen via highlights packages in five countries and 23 million households. Today, the LPGA can be seen in more than 130 countries and 320 million homes. Financial terms for the partnership were not disclosed but, given that the LPGA Tour cleared US$5 million in television revenues in 2007 according to tax forms, industry experts were confident that the partnership would be worth a significant six-figure annual sum to IMG.

In addition to its other duties, IMG Media also produces a unique highlights show for up to 20 LPGA events each year.

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"We are extremely pleased to be continuing this long relationship with the LPGA," said Peter Smith, senior vice president, IMG Media. "The LPGA is the only truly global golf Tour, as can be seen by both the schedule of events and the diversity of countries represented on the Tour. We look forward to working with the LPGA to further increase the coverage and exposure of the Tour and its players."

LPGA acting commissioner Marty Evans added: "IMG Media and the LPGA have built a powerful platform for distribution of LPGA events over the years. As our Tour continues to bolster its global strength via both our member representation and our portfolio of sponsors, we look forward to working with IMG Media to ensure we continue to have the broadest and deepest range of exposure for our fans."