LPGA to offer season-long package to sponsors

The LPGA hopes to earn more than US$10 million from a new sponsorship package, which would see a partner sign on for the entire LPGA Tour season.

The partnership, which would be worth some US$10.5 million over three years, would bring in much-needed revenue to the LPGA.

'Copies of the proposal, obtained by SportsBusiness Journal, say the sponsorship provides "ownership of the entire LPGA season" through a season-long competition that either awards a bonus prize or ends with a championship tournament sponsored by the same company," reports SportsBusiness Journal.

'High-ranking executives at the LPGA, which expects to have 20 to 25 tournaments on the 2010 schedule, said the sponsorship could cover the entire season or a smaller number of events, depending upon the wishes of the prospective sponsor. Players would qualify for the bonus or tournament by earning points, or finishing in certain positions, in series events.'

SportsBusiness Journal adds: 'The proposal states the size of the bonus prize would be determined by the LPGA and the sponsor, but the championship tournament would cost the sponsor another $3.5 million a year over five years.'