Jay Monahan to leave PGA Tour as Brian Rolapp takes CEO reins

Roger Goodell's second in command will become first chief executive in golf circuit's history.

• Monahan will transition day-to-day responsibilities to Rolapp when he begins role later this summer
• NFL’s chief media and business officer unanimously recommended by search committee
• Monahan will focus on role as board member before officially stepping down at end of 2026

The PGA Tour has announced that commissioner Jay Monahan will step down when his current contract expires at the end of 2026, while also confirming Brian Rolapp as its new chief executive.

Rolapp will be the first chief executive in the history of the PGA Tour and his remit will also encompass PGA Tour Enterprises, the circuit’s new for-profit entity formed in 2024 in partnership with Strategic Sports Group (SSG).

Monahan, who replaced Tim Finchem as commissioner in 2017, will transition his day-to-day responsibilities to Rolapp and spend the remainder of his tenure focusing on his role as a member of the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprises boards.

The PGA Tour management team will report to Rolapp when he officially begins work later this summer, while he will report to both boards of directors.

Rumours of Rolapp’s appointment first emerged last week. He was unanimously recommended for the role by a search committee consisting of Monahan, Tiger Woods, Arthur Blank, Adam Scott, Joe Gorder and Sam Kennedy.

“Brian is the perfect choice for the next chapter of the PGA Tour,” said Monahan. “His arrival strengthens our leadership team and reflects our shared commitment to the tour’s continued evolution. With Brian’s expertise and vision, and the trust we’ve established with our players and fans, I’m more confident than ever in the future we’re building.”

Rolapp joins with strong pedigree following his two decades at the National Football League (NFL), where he served as chief media and business officer and was viewed as second in command after commissioner Roger Goodell.

During his 20 years at the NFL, Rolapp oversaw the league’s US$110 billion domestic broadcast deals with NBC, ESPN, CBS, Fox and Amazon in 2021 before helping to secure landmark media rights agreements with Netflix and YouTube.

He also played a role in the launch of NFL+, the league’s streaming platform, and has also had a significant hand in the development of NFL Network, NFL Films, sponsorships, consumer products and the league’s private investment entity 32 Equity.

In an open letter to fans, Rolapp admitted he has ‘a lot to learn’ about golf but said he was ‘honoured’ to take on the chief executive role.

‘Golf has one of the deepest histories and many of the most timeless traditions in all of sports,’ he wrote. ‘That history and those traditions have inspired generations of players and fans, creating both a game and a tour that millions around the world love.

‘At the same time, professional golf is evolving, as are the ways fans consume sports. My goal as CEO is to honour golf’s traditions but not be overly bound by them.’

‘Over the past few years, the tour has made meaningful progress in addressing these changes – from creating more opportunities for players to improving the competitive structure and enhancing the fan experience. But there’s still significant work to do and incredible opportunity remains ahead.’

Credit: https://www.sportspro.com/news/pga-tour-ceo-brian-rolapp-jay-monahan-commissioner-june-2025/