This Monday it was a rumour gaining a lot of strength, this Tuesday it is now official: PGA TOUR has announced today the appointment of Brian Rolapp as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and has confirmed that Jay Monahan will step down from his executive duties at the end of next year.
Rolapp, a veteran executive of the NFL, will bring to the PGA TOUR more than two decades of experience in media and sports business, and will officially take over this summer. Rolapp previously held the position of Chief Media and Business Officer at the NFL, where he played a key role in transforming the league’s audiovisual and commercial business model, securing historic deals with platforms like Amazon, Netflix, or YouTube, and leading the launch of NFL+, among other innovations.
The decision comes after the current commissioner, Jay Monahan, informed the Boards of Directors of his intention to step down at the end of his contract in 2026. With this announcement, Monahan will begin to hand over daily responsibilities to Rolapp and will continue as a member of the PGA TOUR Board of Directors and the board of PGA TOUR Enterprises until the transition is complete.
“A year ago I communicated my decision to step down after completing a decade as commissioner,” Monahan explained. “Since then, we have worked to find a leader who will continue our momentum. Brian is that person, and I am excited to accompany him in this new stage.”
The selection process was led by a special committee formed by Arthur M. Blank, Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Monahan himself, Joe Gorder, and Sam Kennedy, who unanimously recommended Rolapp. The new CEO will lead both PGA TOUR, Inc. and PGA TOUR Enterprises, and will report directly to both Boards of Directors.
“It is an honour to join the PGA TOUR at such a pivotal moment,” expressed Rolapp. “I deeply believe in its mission and growth potential. I am eager to work with the players, partners, and the entire team to deliver an even more powerful and dynamic experience for the fans.”
Over the past two years, the PGA TOUR has driven a profound transformation, with changes in the competitive calendar, a strategic investment of 1.5 billion dollars, the creation of equity participation opportunities for players, and the development of initiatives like Fan Forward. We will see if in the time remaining, Monahan is able to finalise the famous framework agreement reached with PIF two years ago.
Tiger Woods has also publicly expressed his support after being involved in Rolapp’s selection: “His experience and respect for the game are evident. I am convinced that under his leadership, the PGA TOUR will continue to grow for the benefit of all who love this sport.”
The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Joe Gorder, added: “This appointment reflects the unity and strategic alignment we have achieved at all levels. Brian will bring leadership, clarity, and vision for the future.”
Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons and chairman of the search committee, emphasised: “I have known Brian since his time at the NFL and am aware of his ability to lead with vision, collaborate, and achieve results. He has what it takes to take the PGA TOUR to the next level.”
Profile of Brian Rolapp:
He joined the NFL in 2003 and rose to hold positions such as COO of NFL Media and CEO of NFL Network. He graduated from Brigham Young University and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. He has been recognised by Sports Business Journal in its Forty Under 40 hall of fame and is considered one of the most influential executives in global sports.
