The PGA Tour is about to bring in Brian Rolapp, current Executive Vice President of the NFL, as its new CEO, who will work in conjunction with Commissioner Jay Monahan.
Rolapp, after 22 years in the NFL, will leave his position to take on this new role. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informed team executives and presidents about Rolapp’s departure.
The PGA Tour’s board of directors is expected to finalize Rolapp’s hiring at a meeting scheduled for Monday.
The PGA Tour’s search for a CEO began in December, considering figures like Steve Phelps from NASCAR and David Abeles, CEO of TaylorMade Golf, among others.
Rolapp, as the NFL’s media and business director, was key to the league’s growth strategy. He is considered a potential success for Goodell, and his departure to lead another professional sports circuit would not affect his future opportunities.
Since 2017, Rolapp has been responsible for the NFL’s media and digital media strategy, as well as having been CEO of NFL Network and executive vice president of NFL Media.
In his current role, he oversees advertising sales, sponsorships, and television contracts, which generate more than $10 billion per season for the league.
Monahan assumed the role of PGA Tour commissioner in January 2017, replacing Tim Finchem. He was criticized by golfers and other league members following the agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the DP World Tour in June 2023.
The PIF has funded the LIV Golf League, attracting PGA Tour stars with million-dollar contracts.
Negotiations between both parties have been ongoing since the initial agreement expired at the end of 2023, with a recent meeting at the White House in February.
Monahan facilitated a potential $3 billion deal with Strategic Sports Group for the circuit’s for-profit entity, PGA Tour Enterprises.
SSG, led by Fenway Sports Group, made an initial investment of $1.5 billion, with the possibility of investing an additional $1.5 billion. The PGA Tour controls the for-profit company, awarding shares to golfers who remained loyal to the circuit.
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, PGA Tour directors Tiger Woods and Adam Scott, along with Monahan, were part of the committee that selected Rolapp as the new CEO.
