The LPGA today officially made PGA of America COO Craig Kessler its next commissioner, and the 39-year-old already has a clear vision of how he can help the tour latch on to the wider women’s boom that’s been going on in sports in recent years.

SBJ reported three weeks ago Kessler was the leading candidate for the job. Korn Ferry Tour President Alex Baldwin was the other finalist for the role, but Kessler edged ahead and became the clear favorite over the last month.

Kessler, an SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree for 2025, was also the COO at Topgolf from 2016-2021 and currently serves on the National Golf Foundation board.

He has four key pillars that he’s looking to build the LPGA on:

• Trust with fans, players, tournaments and sponsors.
• Visibility for both players and the LPGA brand.
• Building a stronger fan base.
• Building a stronger financial foundation.

“Every decision we make needs to be filtered through those four lenses,” he told SBJ on Wednesday. “And if we do it, we can create an organization where everybody says, ‘Something amazing is happening at the LPGA and we need to be a part of it.’”

The LPGA was closing in on six months without having a full-time commissioner, as Mollie Marcoux Samaan announced her intention to step down at the beginning of December. Liz Moore has been serving as interim commissioner.

It’s not clear what the salary range is for Kessler, though Marcoux Samaan’s total compensation came in at just more than $1.3M in the LPGA’s most recent 990 filing. Elevate Talent and Liz Moulton led the search.

Kessler comes in from a much different vantage point than Marcoux Samaan did in 2021. Marcoux Samaan did not have a background in golf, hired in 2021 after a stint as the AD at Princeton.

Kessler, on the other hand, had the stint at Topgolf and after a short time out of the game landed at the PGA in early 2023. Also important is that he’s got a background in private equity. The Harvard and Georgetown grad began his career at McKinsey & Company and later became an operating partner at KKR and Providence Equity Partners. The LPGA was said to be working on a capital raise in recent years.

The LPGA job is not an easy one. The tour has challenging media deals both in the U.S. and internationally. It’s also truly a global tour. Of its 33 events in 2025 (including majors), 13 are played outside the U.S., with another contested in Hawaii. But Kessler sees that as less of a challenge and more of an opportunity.

“The global nature of the tour is actually one of our biggest assets, and figuring out how to leverage that to build an even stronger global brand on top of the domestic brand in the United States is a massive opportunity for us,” he said.

The tour’s domestic media deal is tied in with the PGA Tour’s, which run through 2030. It’s often a point of contention with industry executives as well as LPGA fans, who bemoan the lack of live coverage, as well as the inability to easily find LPGA broadcasts. Those issues will be one of Kessler’s top priorities, he said.

“I mentioned one of the four pillars was being visible,” Kessler said. “And I think importantly when we talk about visibility, it’s not just frequency, it’s also quality and making sure that what people see is representative of the amazing stories these athletes have to share.”

Golf Saudi in late 2023 blocked a potential merger between the LPGA and Ladies European Tour. And Saudi Arabia’s PIF recently signed on the become title sponsor of the old Aramco Team Series on the LET. Marcoux Samaan was at times criticized for not being open to having more conversations with Saudi Arabia.

Asked about his plans for such discourse, Kessler replied: “As the incoming commissioner, I have one primary duty and that is to elevate the sport and to recognize and honor the incredible talents of the women who lay it all on the line every week on the golf course. And anybody who’s out there who’s willing to have a conversation that helps us further that mission, I can’t wait to have the discussion.”

Meanwhile, there have been industry whispers that Kessler could look to move the LPGA out of Daytona Beach. Asked about that possibility, Kessler responded: “My family and I are well settled in Dallas, Texas. And for the time being, that’s where we plan to be based. I will personally be where the players are, where the sponsors are and where the opportunity is. But for now, we’ll be in Dallas and more to come on that in the future.”

The LPGA under Marcoux Samaan increased purse sizes and made other adds that improved the player experience, but still some tournament operators have wondered if those investments would level off if, or when, the greater women’s sports movement does the same. Multiple tournament directors have felt the tour could do more in terms of relationship building with individual events and official marketing partners.

“Building an organization where everyone goes, ‘What’s happening there? I have to be a part of it,’” Kessler said. “And it’s rooted in trust. And I think I highlighted early on that includes trust with sponsors. That’s part of the mission from day one. And my sincere hope is that if anybody doesn’t feel the love, they call me as fast as possible and we can work through it because they deserve it.”

Vicki Goetze-Ackerman, an LPGA BOD member and Player President, was on the search committee for both Marcoux Samaan and again this time with Kessler.

“We were looking for a person that we felt could lead our organization that was visionary, that could be someone that could get in front of new people and old people that we had been working with, with our sponsors to give us the plan to move forward and to lead us,” she said. “And it’s obvious that you need a leader, but you need a leader that someone will follow. Someone that can articulate, be passionate, that you can get behind what they believe in.”

The LPGA has undergone several executive changes since Marcoux Samaan’s exit. In January, the LPGA parted ways with Chief Sales and Partnerships Officer Nicole Metzger. And just recently, Chief Marketing, Communications and Brand Officer Matt Chmura resigned from his position.

Kessler officially begins his role on July 15.

“Their powerful Trade Barriers, Vat Taxes, ridiculous Corporate Penalties, Non-Monetary Trade Barriers, Monetary Manipulations, unfair and unjustified lawsuits against Americans Companies, and more, have led to a Trade Deficit with the U.S. of more than $250,000,000 a year, a number which is totally unacceptable,” he wrote in a Truth Social post Friday morning.

OUR INFORMATION

WFIN Studio
P.O. Box 1507 Findlay, Ohio 45839-1507
551 Lake Cascades Parkway – Findlay, Ohio 45840

Phone: 419-422-4545

Contact Us

Blanchard River Broadcasting Company
A Division of The Findlay Publishing Company

WFIN || WKXA || 106.3 The Fox

Please read our Privacy Statement and Commenting Policy

Public File If you need help accessing the file due to a disability, please contact [email protected]
EEO

FCC Applications

The “Sports Medicine Market (2025 Edition): Analysis By Product Type (Body Reconstruction & Repair, Body Support & Recovery, Accessories), By Injury Type, By Region, By Country: Market Insights and Forecast (2021-2031)” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.

The Global Sports Medicine market showcased growth at a CAGR of 6.59% during 2021-2024. The market was valued at USD 6.29 billion in 2024 which is expected to reach USD 10.62 billion in 2031. This report provides a complete analysis for the historical period of 2021-2024, the estimates of 2025 and the forecast period of 2026-2031.

The global Sports Medicine market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the rising participation in sports and physical activities across all age groups. Increased awareness about fitness, the popularity of professional sports, and the growing incidence of sports-related injuries are key factors fueling this market’s expansion.

Common injuries, such as sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations, have led to a growing demand for advanced treatment options, including Orthopedic devices, braces, and support products. Technological advancements, such as minimally invasive surgeries and regenerative medicine, further contribute to market growth.

America dominates the market due to a well-established healthcare infrastructure and a high rate of sports participation, while the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth, driven by increasing sports engagement and improving healthcare facilities. Additionally, government initiatives promoting sports activities and injury prevention programs, coupled with a rise in healthcare expenditure, continue to support market development globally.

Competitive Positioning

• Companies’ Product Positioning
• Market Position Matrix
• Market Share Analysis of Sports Medicine Market

Company Profiles

• Conmed Corporation
• Stryker Corporation
• Medtronic PLC
• Johnson & Johnson
• Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc.
• Smith and Nephew PLC
• Arthrex Inc.
• Anika Therapeutics Inc.
• Mueller Sports Medicine, Inc.
• Breg, Inc.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Market Background

1.1 Scope and Product Outlook

1.2 Executive Summary

1.3 Research Methodology

2. Analyst Recommendations

2.1 Integrating Wearable Technology & AI in Sports Medicine

2.2 3D Printing in orthopaedics

3. Global Sports Medicine Market: Historic and Forecast

3.1 Impact Analysis of Macro Economic Factors on Sports Medicine Market

3.2 Percentage of people treated in EU hospitals for sports injuries each year

3.3 Top 10 Sports Injuries By Number Of Injuries, 2022 , U.S.

3.4 Global Sports Medicine Market: Dashboard

3.5 Global Sports Medicine Market: Market Size and CAGR, 2021-2031 (USD Million & CAGR)

3.6 Global Sports Medicine Market: Market Value Assessment

3.7 Global Sports Medicine Market Segmentation: By Product Type

3.7.1 Global Sports Medicine Market, By Product Type Overview

3.7.2 Global Sports Medicine Market Attractiveness Index, By Product Type

3.7.3 Global Sports Medicine Market Size, By Body Reconstruction & Repair, By Value, 2021H-2031F USD Million & CAGR)

3.7.4 Global Sports Medicine Market Size, By Body Support & Recovery, By Value, 2021H-2031F (USD Million & CAGR)

3.7.5 Global Sports Medicine Market Size, By Accessories, By Value, 2021H-2031F (USD Million & CAGR)

3.8 Global Sports Medicine Market Segmentation: By Injury Type

3.8.1 Global Sports Medicine Market, By Injury Type Overview

3.8.2 Global Sports Medicine Market Attractiveness Index, By Injury Type

3.8.3 Global Sports Medicine Market Size, By Knee Injuries, By Value, 2021H-2031F (USD Million & CAGR)

3.8.4 Global Sports Medicine Market Size, By Shoulder Injuries, By Value, 2021H-2031F (USD Million & CAGR)

3.8.5 Global Sports Medicine Market Size, By Foot and Ankle Injuries, By Value, 2021H-2031F (USD Million & CAGR)

3.8.6 Global Sports Medicine Market Size, By Back and Spine Injuries, By Value, 2021H-2031F (USD Million & CAGR)

3.8.7 Global Sports Medicine Market Size, By Hip and Groin Injuries, By Value, 2021H-2031F (USD Million & CAGR)

3.8.8 Global Sports Medicine Market Size, By Other Injury Types, By Value, 2021H-2031F (USD Million & CAGR)

4. Sports Medicine Market, Region Analysis

4.1 Regional Coverage of the Study

4.2 Regional Snapshot

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/p49279

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world’s leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250523428440/en/

FRISCO, Texas — Tech This Out, a new era for sports technology and innovation, has officially launched in North Texas with the grand opening of “Origin,” a state-of-the-art innovation center. Global innovation platform Plug and Play, in partnership with the City of Frisco and the Frisco Economic Development Corporation, celebrated the facility’s debut with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The 6,000-square-foot hub, strategically located at The Star in the Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research building, aims to be a pivotal force in advancing the sports world. Origin will concentrate on four key sports-related sectors: human potential and performance, injury prevention and rehabilitation, data and media, and organizations and fan engagement.

“What we saw was an incredible appetite in North Texas to work with startups to engage the corporate community, to engage with investors, and we’re creating a one-of-a-kind one-stop shop for all of them,” stated Kevin Parakkattu, Head of Plug and Play Texas.

David Steele, Plug and Play Frisco Director, emphasized the booming nature of these sectors. “It’s huge. Multibillion dollar industry,” Steele said. “So you look at all the sports brands, the teams, the leagues, all of the national governing body organizations stateside, and then look at brands like FIFA, LA 28, the Olympics, IOC’s all of that falls into the ecosystem that we work in.”

ALSO| Dell World 2025: AI Factories, Turbo-Charged Data & The Intelligent Edge Dominate

Steele further explained that this ecosystem is designed to fuel innovation for local startups, attract venture capital, and connect these emerging companies with Plug and Play’s extensive network of global Fortune 1000 partners and renowned sports franchises.

The proximity to major sports entities is a significant advantage, according to Parakkattu. “Within a stone’s throw, you have access to the Dallas Cowboys, the Dallas Mavericks, Baylor Scott and White. It has become the center of human potential and performance.”

Even before its official opening, the initiative has shown promising results. “We’re 32 startups in. We’re 32 startups in that we’ve already accelerated in the last year,” Steele revealed. “We’re seeing traction with these brands, signing deals with the Yankees and FC Liverpool active conversations with international organizations to really enhance what these companies are doing.”

Plug and Play currently operates five locations across Texas, including one in Cedar Park. The company views the Frisco center as a significant step in its expansion within the state. “Frisco is our first foray into a large real estate market in Texas, but it won’t be the last,” Parakkattu commented, signaling further growth in the Texas market.

As urban living spaces continue to shrink and remote work becomes a permanent reality for many, the demand for smart, space-saving home fitness solutions is on the rise. Addressing this growing need, global fitness technology brand DeerRun has unveiled its latest line of foldable, ultra-quiet smart treadmills, specifically designed for modern homes where space is at a premium.

Traditional treadmills have long been a challenge for apartment dwellers and homeowners with limited square footage. Bulky, noisy, and difficult to store, conventional machines often force users to choose between maintaining an active lifestyle and preserving their living space. DeerRun aims to change that narrative with its compact, lightweight, and user-friendly treadmill designs, which prioritize both functionality and convenience without compromising performance.

“Home fitness should adapt to your lifestyle—not the other way around,” a DeerRun spokesperson said. “Our goal is to make fitness more accessible, especially for people in shared spaces or smaller homes.” With features like fold-flat storage, whisper-quiet motors, and smart app integration, the new DeerRun models offer a streamlined alternative to traditional home gym equipment, meeting the evolving needs of health-conscious, space-conscious consumers.

DeerRun eliminates this dilemma with smartly engineered treadmills that prioritize both convenience and quality. Here’s how:

• Feather-Light and Portable: Unlike traditional models, which often require multiple people to move, DeerRun treadmills make them easy to transport and reposition.

• Ultra-Compact Storage: Their sleek, foldable designs allow them to slide effortlessly under beds, tuck behind sofas, or stand upright in closets when not in use.

• No Dedicated Gym Space Needed: Most fitness equipment assumes you have a “home gym”—but DeerRun understands that in many homes, the living room is the gym, the dining room, and the office all at once. The fact that you can set up the treadmill in seconds and store it just as quickly means you don’t need to compromise your environment to stay active. There’s no disruption, no rearranging, and no friction between your wellness goals and your living reality.

Take the DeerRun A1 Smart Treadmill, for example. Its slim, modern profile makes it a perfect fit for tight corners or against walls, keeping your home clean and clutter-free.

Quiet, Stable, and Apartment-Friendly

Noise is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a barrier. For apartment dwellers or anyone in a shared living space, the idea of adding a treadmill often ends with the same thought: It’s going to be too loud. That concern is valid. Traditional treadmills often turn every workout into a disturbance—for you, for your neighbors, and for the people you live with.

That’s where DeerRun stands apart. The brand hasn’t just reduced noise—it’s redefined what a treadmill should sound and feel like in a home setting.

With DeerRun’s whisper-quiet motor and shock-absorbing belt system, the treadmill works in the background of your life, not against it. You don’t need to limit your workouts to specific hours. You don’t have to hesitate before running in the early morning or late at night. That freedom—being able to move when you want, without second-guessing—is a subtle but significant form of empowerment for anyone living in close quarters.

More Than Just a Treadmill—A Smarter Workout Experience

While its space-saving design stands out, DeerRun goes further. These treadmills are equipped with smart fitness technology to make workouts more interactive and engaging. Through the PitPat app, the world’s leading fitness competition platform, users can access virtual races, track performance metrics in real-time, and even compete with others. This isn’t about gamifying fitness for the sake of novelty—it’s about giving users meaningful goals, a sense of progression, and a social connection that traditional solo workouts often lack. When your treadmill becomes a platform for community and competition, working out stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like progress.

Additionally, DeerRun treadmills are designed for intuitive use. With speed control, users can adjust their pace seamlessly without disrupting their run. Whether it’s a light jog or an intense sprint, the treadmill responds smoothly, ensuring a natural and enjoyable experience. For those who prefer efficiency, the setup is just as seamless. One of the most overlooked obstacles to working out at home is setup friction—the time and effort it takes to get started. Many traditional treadmills require assembly or complicated interfaces that create resistance before your workout even begins. DeerRun removes those barriers. Its models arrive ready to use. You unfold, plug in, and start moving.

Designed for Modern Lifestyles

The beauty of DeerRun’s design is how well it adapts to modern, multi-purpose spaces. Modern homes serve multiple roles—offices, workout studios, and entertainment hubs—demanding versatile solutions. Having a treadmill that takes up minimal space and disappears when not in use is a game-changer.

For those working from home, this means being able to fit in a quick run between meetings without having a bulky machine in the background of video calls. For families, it allows for a dedicated fitness routine without taking over shared areas. And for fitness enthusiasts with limited space, it provides an effective way to maintain an active lifestyle without compromising their home’s aesthetics.

In essence, DeerRun isn’t trying to force fitness into your life. It’s designed to work with it, adjusting to your time, your space, and your needs—quietly, efficiently, and without friction.

The Future of Home Fitness

By prioritizing functionality, smart technology, and seamless storage, the brand has created a treadmill that fits effortlessly into modern living. No more choosing between a clutter-free home and a quality workout—with DeerRun, you can have both.

For anyone who has hesitated to invest in home fitness due to space constraints, DeerRun is proving that staying active doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your living space. This is the future of home fitness: compact, quiet, smart, and designed for real life.

For those ready to transform their fitness routine without sacrificing space, DeerRun offers an elegant solution. Stay updated by following Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok for the latest updates.

Ready to reclaim your space—and your motivation?

Explore the DeerRun collection today and discover how effortless, connected, and quiet home fitness can be.

Media Contact
Company Name: JOYFIT INC
Contact Person: Allison Russell
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://uk.deerruntreadmill.com/