S E26: The LPGA Has a Massive Opportunity... But Can They Pull It Off?

S E26: The LPGA Has a Massive Opportunity... But Can They Pull It Off?

From The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts by Big Swing Media

April 28, 2026 · 47 min · Episode 26

About this episode

Jimmy Roberts interviews Craig Kessler about the LPGA's current opportunities and challenges in women's golf.

The LPGA is having a moment — but can it turn momentum into something lasting? At the Chevron Championship, Jimmy Roberts sits down with Craig Kessler to discuss one of the most pivotal moments in the history of women’s golf. With rising viewership, increased investment, and growing global attention on women’s sports, the LPGA finds itself at a crossroads — and a massive opportunity. Kessler, in his first full season as commissioner, lays out a bold vision for the future: building stars, growing fan engagement, improving the product, and capitalizing on what he calls a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.” From lessons learned from the WNBA to the realities of running a global tour with limited resources, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to grow a modern sports league. In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, we cover: Why the LPGA believes “now is the time to strike” How storytelling and star power can transform the league What the LPGA is learning from the WNBA’s growth The biggest challenges facing the LPGA today The role of media, sponsorship, and global partnerships How players are buying in like never before What success looks…

People in this episode

Host: Jimmy Roberts

Guest: Craig Kessler

Topics covered

  • LPGA opportunities
  • women's golf
  • sports business
  • viewership growth
  • fan engagement
  • media and sponsorship

Keywords

  • LPGA
  • women's sports
  • golf
  • sports league growth
  • viewership
  • investment
  • fan engagement
  • WNBA lessons

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: LPGA, WNBA

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