Confirmation from sources given to The Athletic shows that Brian Rolapp, a top NFL executive, is set to become the new CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises.
Even with this move, Jay Monahan will continue serving as PGA Tour commissioner, while Rolapp will head the for-profit arm newly introduced by the tour.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell informed team presidents and other executives about Rolapp’s exit in a memo sent out on Thursday.
Rolapp’s NFL Experience and New Position
The role Rolapp held before this new appointment was that of Chief Media and Business Officer at the NFL, where he played a major role in boosting the league’s media and sponsorship earnings.
He led the talks that brought about the league’s $110 billion agreements with Amazon, ESPN, CBS, NBC, and Fox. Since 2014, he had been managing these responsibilities, and many people saw him as a likely successor to Goodell.
With Goodell’s recent contract renewal, as earlier reported by The Athletic, Rolapp’s decision to take up a new challenge appears to be a step toward proving he can lead another sports organization at a high level. This CEO job is a newly formed position at the PGA Tour.
Current Issues in Men’s Professional Golf
This new role comes at a time when the men’s golf scene has been going through major challenges. About two years ago, the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which finances LIV Golf, agreed to find common ground and fix the split that was damaging the sport.
But in recent times, discussions between them have slowed down without much success. Rolapp will now oversee PGA Tour Enterprises, an organization that was introduced to respond to this divide. Strategic Sports Group, made up of big names from American sports ownership, has put $1.5 billion into this for-profit company.
The goal is to allow players to benefit by owning a share in it. There’s also room for the Saudi fund to match that amount if a deal is finally reached. LIV Golf has also named Scott O’Neil as its new CEO.
How Roles Will Be Shared Going Forward
Although Rolapp is expected to manage the new business section of the tour, Monahan will still act as PGA Tour commissioner. He is also expected to continue as a board member for PGA Tour Enterprises.
Monahan came under pressure when he secretly entered talks with the Public Investment Fund after initially opposing LIV Golf. Players who were kept in the dark about this change later expressed their disappointment.
After the agreement framework between the PGA Tour and the PIF came out two years ago, Monahan later admitted that the arrival of LIV Golf forced changes within the tour. His position and choices drew criticism, especially from golfers who felt betrayed.
As expected during major tournament periods, the PGA Tour did not respond when asked for a statement about the possible new appointment. The organization usually avoids public announcements that could distract from the competition on the course.
