PGA Tour Poaches Top NFL Executive as Tour's New CEO
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For months, rumors swirled about Jay Monahan's future with the PGA Tour. In May, we even saw reports listing potential candidates to lead the Tour, but nothing was confirmed.
The Tour remained silent, keeping speculation alive, until ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news amid golf's biggest event - the US Open.
As big names like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau battled at Oakmont, reports revealed Brian Rolapp as the new PGA Tour CEO.
Brian Rolapp, a highly respected longtime NFL executive who some consider as the potential successor to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, is leaving his post as the league's EVP to become PGA Tour CEO, sources tell @sethwickersham and me.
Rolapp spent 22 years with the NFL, and… — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 12, 2025
Rolapp is a longtime NFL executive who has held various positions since 2003.
According to Sports Business Journal, he will work closely with PGA Tour Enterprises, the Tour's for-profit branch, which launched last year after a $1.5 billion investment from the Strategic Sports Group.
Interestingly, the news didn't come from the PGA Tour itself. On the Golf Channel podcast, Rex Hoggard and Ryan Lavner pointed fingers at the NFL, saying:
"I think there was a little bit of pushback, as a rule in the industry, the PGA Tour wouldn't make any kind of announcement or any kind of leak about news like this during a major championship," Rex Hoggard stated.
"The U.S. Open is run by the USGA" he continued. "To be clear, this news came from the NFL side."
"This did not come from the PGA Tour."
What does this mean for the PGA Tour & Monahan?
The CEO search began in December, with the Tour making it clear they wanted an outsider with fresh perspectives.
"We are bringing new perspectives on our team to help us realize the incredible opportunities for our sport," the Tour announced last December.
The timing wasn't random, though.
CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 22: PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan addresses the media during a press conference prior to the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands on June 22, 2022 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Photo by...
CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 22: PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan addresses the media during a press conference prior to the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands on June 22, 2022 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Photo by) More
Getty Images
Monahan had faced increasing pressure, particularly with stalled merger talks and player frustrations over Saudi Arabia's PIF negotiations.
Despite that, his leadership has delivered major financial wins. Over the past three months, the Tour has secured 14 new deals, bringing in $400 million.
By 2035, total sponsorship commitments are projected to exceed $4 billion.
Said that, Monahan is leaving nowhere. Rolapp won't replace him but will serve as the Tour's first-ever CEO, reporting directly to Monahan.
His primary role will include steering commercial growth, handling business decisions, and leading negotiations with LIV Golf.
Rolapp's hire is a shake-up for the NFL too
When Roger Goodell signed his last extension in 2023, speculation about his eventual successor erupted.
Rolapp was a frontrunner, having been instrumental in securing the NFL's record-breaking $111 billion media rights deal. Many believed he would be the next commissioner.
🚨💼⛳️ JUST IN — Brian Rolapp, the 2nd highest executive at the NFL is leaving his role to become the Chief Executive Officer of the PGA TOUR, sources confirm to @AdamSchefter. pic.twitter.com/KBF4PAIfoB — NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) June 12, 2025
But instead of preparing to run the biggest sports league in America, he's now stepping into golf's biggest business role.
As the NFL's Chief Media and Business Officer, he helped turn the league into a media powerhouse. He was the architect behind Thursday Night Football's rise and played a key role in securing the NFL's massive media rights deal.
And the PGA Tour expects no less!
More Golf: PGA Tour CEO Search Linked to Longtime Friend of Tiger Woods
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