FedEx extends Cup sponsorship through 2017
Those wondering if the FedEx Cup had staying power on the PGA Tour got their answer on Wednesday, when the shipping giant agreed to a five-year extension that will see them sponsor the tour's season-long points race through 2017.
With a $35 million annual sponsorship, FedEx's extension is worth, at minimum, $175 million over the next five years. The good news for players is that the money won't be decreasing going forward; there's even a chance that the $10 million could increase, which is mind-blowing when you consider how much these guys are already playing for each week.
"We're delighted with the opportunity to make this announcement,"' Finchem said. "That's become a big part of what the PGA Tour is all about."
While the nuts and bolts of the FedEx Cup won't change with the re-up -- the points race will be rebranded the FedEx Cup Playoffs -- there's talk of the tour moving the start of the season to the fall after the Tour Championship, with the new schedule going into place starting in 2013.
The Player Advisory Council wold have to approve an overhaul of the schedule, but based on what FedEx executive vice president of Market Development and Corporate Communications Mike Glenn hinted at on Wednesday, changes are already in the works.
"We're very pleased with the Tour's decision to extend the season and allow the FedEx Cup to be a year-round competition," Glenn said. "That was an important part of our discussions and we were very happy with the outcome."
