Rolapp Takes Helm as PGA Tour CEO in Surprising Move
Company - People | Jun 17, 2025 | EIN
The PGA Tour has appointed Brian Rolapp, a top executive from the National Football League (NFL), as its new CEO, a role that is being introduced for the first time in the Tour's history. Rolapp, previously the chief media and business officer for the NFL, was announced as the successor to Commissioner Jay Monahan, who plans to step down at the end of 2026. This leadership transition follows a period of upheaval in the golfing world, marked by the emergence of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. Rolapp, who brings media connections vital for the upcoming renegotiations of broadcast deals, aims to fortify the Tour's status in the sports industry. His focus as CEO will include managing the new for-profit arm, PGA Tour Enterprises, established during Monahan's tenure, which experienced attempts to finalise agreements with the Saudi Public Investment Fund. The transition plan had been organized meticulously, involving key figures like Tiger Woods and Arthur Blank. Additionally, the PGA Tour will engage with SSG and an innovative player equity plan is underway.
Sectors
- Sports Management
- Media & Broadcasting
- Private Equity & Investment
Geography
- United States – The PGA Tour is primarily based in the United States and the newly appointed CEO, Brian Rolapp, comes from the NFL, an American sports league.
- Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia is relevant due to its Public Investment Fund's potential involvement with the PGA Tour's business strategies.
Industry
- Sports Management – The PGA Tour and its operations, including the appointment of a new CEO, fall under the Sports Management industry.
- Media & Broadcasting – With Brian Rolapp's strong media connections from the NFL, the article highlights the need for the PGA Tour to plan new broadcast deals.
- Private Equity & Investment – The involvement of the Saudi Public Investment Fund and the creation of a for-profit arm for the PGA Tour highlight interactions with investment entities.
Financials
- – The article does not specify concrete financial figures related to the leadership transition or the strategic plans for the PGA Tour.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Rolapp | CEO of PGA Tour | People | Previously a chief media and business officer for the NFL, now appointed as CEO of the PGA Tour. |
| Jay Monahan | Commissioner of PGA Tour | People | Currently the Commissioner, preparing to transition responsibilities to Rolapp and focus on board roles until 2026. |
| PGA Tour | Main Sports Organization | Company | The professional golf body undergoing a leadership change with the introduction of a CEO role. |
| NFL | Previous Organization | Company | Brian Rolapp's former employer, where he served as chief media and business officer. |
| Public Investment Fund | Potential Investment Partner | Government | Saudi Arabia's fund involved in discussions with the PGA Tour for potential collaborations. |
| SSG | Advisor/Partner | Company | Brought onto the PGA Tour as part of strategic adjustments and equity plans. |
| Tiger Woods | Part of Search Committee | People | Renowned golfer and committee member for the CEO search. |
| Arthur Blank | Part of Search Committee | People | Owner of the Atlanta Falcons and involved in the CEO search committee. |