NFL Media Chief Brian Rolapp Officially Tapped as PGA Tour CEO

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I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve taken on the role of CEO for the PGA Tour, having spent the last few decades masterminding the NFL’s media supremacy!

Effective later this summer, Brian Rolapp, previously serving as the NFL’s Chief Media and Business Officer, is set to assume the role of CEO for both PGA Tour, Inc. and PGA Tour Enterprises. In this new position, Rolapp will guide professional golf at a pivotal juncture for the sport. Meanwhile, Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA Tour, has announced his intention to continue working with the organization until the end of 2026, serving as a board member during that time.

Rolapp was thrilled about becoming part of the PGA TOUR at such a crucial stage. He views the PGA TOUR as the epitome of competition, honesty, and global possibilities in golf. He strongly supports the TOUR’s vision and believes it has the potential to flourish further. He’s eager to collaborate with our players, partners, and executive team to create enduring worth and fashion a more vibrant future for the sport and its spectators.

The search committee for the PGA Tour, headed by Arthur M. Blank, Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Jay Monahan, Joe Gorder and Sam Kennedy, has announced that they have chosen Seth Rolapp as their new CEO. They believe he is an experienced sports and media executive with the right skills to further grow the Tour, given his ability to successfully scale sports businesses in a rapidly changing environment and his deep understanding of what makes the Tour unique and its potential future directions.

For several months, there’s been a lot of buzz in the sports media sphere regarding Rolapp’s impending employment. The discussion centers around potential shifts in their strategy for media rights, as well as strategies to finalize the deal with the PIF.

In a letter made public on Tuesday, Rolapp expressed that professional golf and how fans engage with it are changing. As CEO, he aims to preserve the rich history of golf while also avoiding being too constrained by its traditions.

For several years now, the Tour has been actively working towards substantial improvements – providing additional chances for players, refining the competitive setup, and elevating fan engagement. However, there’s still a lot of ground to cover, and exciting possibilities lie ahead. This includes crafting an outstanding golf experience featuring top-tier players, as well as bolstering commercial collaborations. As I interacted with players, board members, and fans lately, I was captivated by the potential these advancements hold.

For quite some time now, golf has been a regular on TV screens, with notable events such as The Masters and the PGA Championship drawing impressive viewership numbers. However, it’s facing stiff competition from the LIV Golf league, which is backed by Saudi Arabia. Despite announcing a potential merger of their brands under one roof about two years ago, discussions between the PGA Tour and LIV are yet to reach a conclusion.

LIV, meanwhile, has since cut a TV deal with Fox.

At the NFL, Rolapp was among the leaders driving a strategy centered on expanding reach, capitalizing on the NFL’s TV supremacy to negotiate increasingly high rights fees. Conversely, the PGA Tour presents a unique challenge. It boasts major stars and live excitement, but caters to a smaller, more specialized audience with lower ratings. As such, a tailored strategy is needed that primarily focuses on promoting the sport itself.

I’d like to express my gratitude to the Search Committee for their diligent and prompt handling of this process. Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, and particularly Jay Monahan have been actively involved and exceptional collaborators throughout, and I want to especially thank Jay for his crucial part in choosing his successor,” stated Blank, who is a member of the PGA Tour Enterprises Board of Directors and headed the Search Committee. “During our time in the NFL, I’ve witnessed Brian’s talent for leading with vision and teamwork, as well as his capacity to produce results. He knows what it takes to enhance a global sports brand, and I am certain he will bring the same vigor and quality to the PGA Tour.

According to Woods, “Brian’s appointment is great news for both players and spectators.” He has a deep appreciation for the game and our athletes, and his NFL background offers a unique viewpoint. I’m thrilled about the future – I believe with Brian at the helm, we can further expand the Tour in ways that will delight everyone who cherishes this sport.

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2025-06-17 16:54