This didn't take long, but it does offer some insight into the comments that the regional program would continue even if the PWBA ceased to exist...
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The Ladies Classic Tour Email Report 2-27-04 #1

What was the PWBA Regional Report now becomes the LCT Report.  A new era has dawned, and we are looking forward to a bright and rewarding future.

 
Friday, February 27, 2004
Sanders Attempt To Buy PWBA Ends Unsuccessfully

In our last email we reported that Steve Sanders was meeting with ESPN about a new television deal for a PWBA national tour, and that his deal was contingent on getting a viable contract for new TV shows.

The original deadline for ESPN to present a proposal to Sanders was January 15, but it was extended until February 2.  Sanders was optimistic about the deal because the meeting he and Jan Schmidt had with ESPN in December went well, and ESPN said they wanted to continue the relationship they had with women’s pro bowling for 18 years.

However, the proposal ESPN gave Sanders was totally unacceptable, and he ended his quest on February 24.  Steve’s goal was to get a better television deal than PWBA had in recent years.  Instead, ESPN chose to demand even more money from PWBA, asking Sanders to pay $165,000 each for every show, move all shows to ESPN2, and run tape delayed in inconsistent times.

To put in perspective how ridiculous the ESPN offer was – a $165,000 time buy represents a 500% increase over what PWBA paid last year for their shows.  It’s 300% higher than what the PBA pays this year for live shows on ESPN!

In effect, ESPN, for whatever reason, told Sanders they were no longer interested in having women’s pro bowling on their network, and they made it easy for him to walk away from the deal.  Sanders says he has no regrets for the time and money he spent attempting to purchase PWBA, but that he is personally disappointed, especially for the women bowlers who now have no televised tour, and apparently no prospects for the near future.

“The million dollar question is,” he said, “Why such a change after 18 successful years on ESPN?”

So what happens now?  It’s unlikely WIBC will step up because of the SMO changes.  The PBA can afford it, but they are still losing money on the men’s tour, and it could slow their progress.  They also have no television for their senior tour.  Is there another Chris Peters out there willing to spend millions on the women’s tour?

 
Regional Events Will Carry On Under New Name

With Sanders bowing out, it appears the PWBA is at its end, but there is no reason why we cannot continue to stage regional events. In April, we will launch a new non-televised tour called the Ladies Classic Tour, with five regions and events starting in April.  The official announcement will be made March 16 in Reno during the BWAA Convention.

The new LCT will be operated by Jim and CJ Goodwin, who will also run the Southwest Region events.  Mimi Lambert will stay on as Southeast Region Director, and Chuck and Nancy Fairchild will continue to manage the Northeast Region.  A new West Coast Region will be run by former tour player and RPC champion Tori Carter, and a new Midwest Region director will be hired very soon.

A business plan and rule book is being written, and the new LCT will make several positive changes:

·         Only one class of members at a lower cost - $75 annually

·         No restrictions for amateur such as collegiate and Team USA players

·         A new deal for host centers which allows them to share event revenues and derive income from the event

·         Every event will include a coaching clinic featuring some of the top pros in the sport

·         Every event will raise money for charity through the players and pro-am bowlers

·         All women who average 170 or better are eligible to join and compete

 

We are very excited about the potential of the LCT and we hope women everywhere will support it.  A media kit will be distributed to BWAA members on March 16, and membership kits will go out to players very soon.

The past several months have been a very hectic time for women’s bowling and our organization.  We want to thank everyone for their patience, and we sincerely believe that good times are ahead.  As plans develop for the new LCT, we will keep you informed.  Please don’t hesitate to give us your input anytime you feel a need to comment or offer a suggestion.