The PGA Tour is hiring Brian Rolapp to be its CEO. What does it mean for the future of golf?
Meet Brian Rolapp, 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 trading in the pigskin for a golf club.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Seth Wickersham, Rolapp is leaving his position as an NFL executive vice president to become the PGA Tour’s CEO.
Rolapp will work alongside PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.
Rolapp was an integral media executive with the NFL. He helped grow the league’s media and business ventures during his 22-year tenure. Rolapp was instrumental in securing a record-breaking NFL media rights deal worth $11 billion.
Rolapp helped the league expand to streamers, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and YouTube TV.
Rolapp was seen as the successor to Goodell. ESPN’s report says Rolapp leaving for the PGA Tour “isn’t expected to hinder his chance” of succeeding Goodell.
Goodell sent a memo to team presidents and executives on Thursday about Rolapp’s departure.
What Does Rolapp’s Hiring Mean For The PGA Tour?
After searching for a CEO since December, the PGA Tour finally secured its guy in Rolapp.
Rolapp will bring his media expertise to the PGA Tour to grow the sport and improve its television coverage.
The PGA Tour’s ratings have increased this year after a down 2024.
However, the biggest task for Rolapp is to further negotiations with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. PIF backs the rival LIV Golf League.
The PGA Tour has increased its prize money through elevated events in response to LIV’s huge purses. However, the PGA Tour and LIV remain separate entities.
The PGA Tour has been negotiating with PIF on a deal since the end of 2023.
