Brian Rolapp, one of the architects of the NFL‘s rise to dominance as a media property, has segued to the non-contact sport of golf as CEO of the PGA Tour.
The former Chief Media and Business Officer of the NFL will replace onetime IMG exec Jay Monahan in the role. Monahan previously said he had experienced anxiety-induced “mental and physical health challenges” due to responding to the Saudi-backed LIV tour coming for PGA players and creating the first true rival to the pro circuit.
As the NFL’s Chief Media and Business Officer, Rolapp oversaw all of the league’s commercial businesses. That portfolio included broadcast and digital rights, NFL Network, NFL Films, sponsorships, consumer products and the league’s private investment entity, 32 Equity. During his tenure, the NFL secured landmark media agreements with Amazon, CBS, ESPN/ABC, Fox, NBC, Netflix and YouTube, and also launched new platforms like NFL+ in a bid to expand the league’s digital reach.
A CEO search committee established by the PGA Tour, which included Monahan, NFL owner Arthur Blank and players Tiger Woods and Adam Scott, unanimously recommended Rolapp to take over the top job. Monahan will focus on his participation on the PGA Tour Policy Board and the PGA Tour Enterprises Board through the end of 2026.
“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.”
Rolapp 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.”
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