LPGA and LET continue discussion of a potential merger to grow women’s golf

The LPGA and LET are exploring ways for their merger to benefit the growth of women's golf. At the first full-field event in 2023 of the LPGA, Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, Chief of Marketing Matt Chmura, and Chief Legal and IT Officer Liz Moore had a discussion with the players about the merger of the two leading tours.

According to Golf Digest, the 30-minute discussion did not have anything to do with the blueprint of the merger or what it would look like. Instead, it focussed on how it would help women's golf growth, purse expansion, TV viewership, etc.

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Will LPGA and LET have a merger?

As per reports, the possibility of a merger is very high. In 2019, when LET was financially struggling, they had to hold hands with the LPGA and they benefitted. Both tours signed a multi-year deal to benefit the growth of women's golf.

An LPGA Spokesperson issued a statement about the possible merger. The statement read,

"When the LPGA partnered with the LET and formed the joint venture in 2019, the goal was to strengthen women's golf. The partnership has been successful. As was reported earlier this year, we're evaluating what the next iteration of our relationship looks like with the goal of continuing to enhance opportunities for members on all tours and strengthening the women’s game globally."

The spokesperson added that they have informed their members about potential partnerships and opportunities. They look forward to evaluating their relationship with the LET (Ladies European Tour).

Back in 2019, Mike Whan, former LPGA Commissioner after signing a multi-year deal with LET, said,

"I want to make sure the European Tour players know that this is not some American growth strategy."

Since then, the LET has expanded quickly. The LET held 15 events with a combined prize pool of €11.5 million in 2018, the last complete season before the partnership.

With 31 events and at least €35 million on the line in 2023, both the prize amount and the number of events have increased by more than 100%. Multiple sources confirmed that LPGA executives said that the LET is presently self-sufficient during the player gathering.

Ruoning Yin at the DIO Implant LA Open - Final Round

LPGA Commissioner Marcoux Samaan said in an interview a week after the CME Group Tour Championship last November, that they had a player meeting at the Pelican Women’s Championship.

"For us, we just want to make sure that there are clear pathways for women's golf, and that the best players in the world can make a living and live their dreams through golf."

LPGA professional Maria Fassi feels that things going on behind the scenes might benefit from a potential merger. She feels it is important to understand why they [LPGA and LET] want a merger and if it would help the LPGA tour stay the leading professional ladies' tour in the world.

"They truly are doing a lot of good behind the scenes that maybe we as players don't see right now."

Lizette Salas at the DIO Implant LA Open - Round One

Five-time U.S. Solheim Cup team member Lizette Salas was also positive about the merger as she said,

"I just feel like the tour is two steps ahead, but yet [the players] barely trying to understand the blueprint of it."

Now, it would be interesting to see if the merger between LPGA and LET takes place. If it does, what would be the stake of either party involved?