The most successful professional golf league in the world has named a new Chief Executive Officer to usher the PGA TOUR into the modern era.
The search committee unanimously chose Brian Rolapp for this newly created role. They characterize him as a seasoned sports and media executive with the specific skill set necessary to build on the TOUR’s momentum—experience scaling sports businesses in a fast-changing landscape and a clear appreciation for what makes the TOUR special and where it can go next.
Rolapp will officially take over later this summer when Commissioner Jay Monahan transfers his day-to-day responsibilities and increasingly focuses on his roles as a member of the PGA TOUR Policy Board and the PGA TOUR Enterprises Board through the end of 2026.
The committee, formed by Monahan to find his successor, was comprised of Arthur Blank, Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Joe Gorder, and Sam Kennedy.
“A year ago, I informed our boards that upon completing a decade as Commissioner, I would step down from my role at the end of 2026,” said Monahan. “Since then, we’ve worked together to identify a leader who can build on our momentum and develop a process that ensures a smooth transition. We’ve found exactly the right leader in Brian Rolapp, and I’m excited to support him as he transitions from the NFL into his new role leading the PGA TOUR.”
George McNeilly in an interview with Commissioner Jay Monahan at the 2024 John Deere Classic
On the surface, this feels like a seismic shift, but if you dig more deeply, it might just be the direction other sports leagues could consider.
The NFL has had three commissioners since merging with the AFL in 1970, while the TOUR has had a total of four since its creation in 1968. The commissioner form of government in sports began in North America with Major League Baseball after the Chicago White Sox cheating scandal of 1919 when a former judge was hired to clean up a crisis in what was then America’s most popular sport. Most other leagues, including the NFL, have adopted this structure but as the sports industry has evolved and become far more complicated to manage, the title is seen by many as antiquated. Clearly, it takes more than one person to run a successful business.
Rolapp knows this very well. He joins the TOUR after spending more than two decades with the National Football League (NFL), where he helped reshape how fans experience live sports and most recently served as the league’s Chief Media and Business Officer.
As the CEO, Rolapp will be responsible for leading the PGA TOUR into its next phase of growth and innovation, serving as the CEO of PGA TOUR, Inc. and PGA TOUR Enterprises. The management team will report to Rolapp upon his start date, and he reports to both Boards of Directors.
“I’m honored to join the PGA TOUR at such a pivotal time,” said Rolapp. “The PGA TOUR represents the highest level of competition, integrity and global opportunity in the game of golf, and I believe deeply in the TOUR’s mission and its potential to grow even stronger. I’m ready to get to work—alongside our players, partners and leadership team—to build lasting value and deliver an even more dynamic future for the sport and our fans.”
As the NFL’s Chief Media and Business Officer, Rolapp oversaw the league’s commercial businesses, including broadcast and digital rights, NFL Network, NFL Films, sponsorships, consumer products and the league’s private investment entity, 32 Equity. Under his leadership, the NFL secured landmark media agreements with Amazon, CBS, ESPN/ABC, FOX, NBC, Netflix and YouTube, while launching innovative platforms such as NFL+ to expand the league’s digital reach.
“I want to thank the search committee for acting with focus and urgency throughout this process. Tiger Woods and Adam Scott have played active roles throughout and been incredible partners in this process, and I particularly want to thank Jay Monahan for the critical role he played in selecting his successor,” said Blank, who serves on the PGA TOUR Enterprises Board of Directors and led the Search Committee. “Having worked with Brian during our time in the NFL, I’ve seen firsthand his ability to lead with vision and collaboration, and to deliver results. He understands what it takes to elevate a global sports brand—and I’m confident he’ll bring that same energy and excellence to the PGA TOUR.
Woods called Rolapp’s appointment a win for both players and fans
“He has a clear respect for the game and our players and brings a fresh perspective from his experience in the NFL. I’m excited about what’s ahead—and confident that with Brian’s leadership, we’ll continue to grow the TOUR in ways that benefit everyone who loves this sport.”
As you might expect, the commissioner agrees with the 15-time major winner.
“Brian is the perfect choice for the next chapter of the PGA TOUR,” Monahan added. “His arrival strengthens our leadership team and reflects our shared commitment to the TOUR’s continued evolution. With Brian’s expertise and vision, and the trust we’ve established with our players and fans, I’m more confident than ever in the future we’re building.”
Over the past two years, the PGA TOUR has built significant momentum — reshaping the competitive schedule, creating the for-profit PGA TOUR Enterprises after securing a $1.5 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group which includes Blank. It has created equity opportunities for players and launched its Fan Forward research initiative. These innovations build on a strong foundation of long-term media rights and corporate partnerships, proven developmental player pathways and a growing fan base.
According to the PGA TOUR news release, Rolapp joined the NFL in 2003 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming COO of NFL Media and later CEO of NFL Network. His strategic vision was instrumental in forging high-profile partnerships with brands such as Apple, X, Nike, and Fanatics, helping to position the NFL as a global leader in sports entertainment. A graduate of Brigham Young University and Harvard Business School, Rolapp—who has been recognized by the Sports Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame—is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished executives in sports.
Photo (Brian Rolapp) courtesy of PGA TOUR
