CROMWELL, Conn. — The PGA Tour is set for a leadership change as Brian Rolapp has been appointed as the new CEO, succeeding current commissioner Jay Monahan, who will step down at the end of 2026. The announcement of Rolapp’s transition from the NFL to the PGA Tour was made on Tuesday.
The search for a new CEO began at the beginning of the year, indicating that Monahan might eventually move on. He will fulfill the remainder of his contract while Rolapp takes over day-to-day operations later this summer. Monahan’s focus will shift to his roles on the PGA Tour Policy Board and the PGA Tour Enterprises Board.
In a letter to PGA Tour members, Rolapp addressed attendees at a players-only meeting during the Travelers Championship. With over 20 years in various leadership positions at the NFL, including chief negotiator for the league’s $110 billion media agreements with major broadcasters, Rolapp was seen as a potential successor to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, although Goodell’s contract was recently extended, according to The Athletic.
Speaking publicly for the first time since his appointment, Rolapp emphasized his commitment to approaching the role with a fresh perspective, aiming to respect the Tour’s traditions while fostering progress. He arrives as the PGA Tour grapples with its competitive landscape, especially following the contentious relationship with LIV Golf and stalled negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund, LIV’s financial supporter.
Though Rolapp refrained from outlining a specific strategy to unify the two tours, he acknowledged the fans’ desire for the best players to compete together. “When it comes to the situation with LIV, I think that’s a complex situation that’s probably something I should learn more about before I speak. But I will say my focus is on growing the Tour, making it better and really moving on from the position of strength that it has,” he stated.
Rolapp was particularly attracted to the role due to the $1.5 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group, a private equity consortium of sports team owners, which could potentially be matched by the Public Investment Fund if finalized. While he has ideas for deploying this capital, he plans to keep those details private for now, expressing that the opportunity presented by the investor group, which is experienced and strategic, was a key motivating factor for him.
Notable members of the CEO search committee, including Tiger Woods and Adam Scott, were present at Rolapp’s announcement.
Monahan has served as the PGA Tour commissioner since January 2017, successfully navigating the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, his strong opposition to LIV Golf emerged as a significant point of contention, particularly after a surprising framework agreement was reached with the PIF in 2023. Monahan faced criticism from players for his previous stance and perceived lack of transparency.
While Rolapp plays golf sporadically, focusing instead on broader leadership responsibilities, he reiterated his enthusiasm for the sport, saying, “No one hired me for my golf game here. That’s not my job. My job is to do other things. But I’m a big fan of the sport.”