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Newsweek
2 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
New PGA Tour CEO Sounds Off on LIV Golf Negotiations
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The PGA Tour just made a move that sent shockwaves through the golf world. With LIV Golf merger talks in limbo and relationships fractured over the PIF investment, the Tour could have played it safe. Instead, it took a bold step, bringing in Brian Rolapp, a strategic mind with a proven track record of 22 years. The decision was announced during the U.S. Open Championship that saw J.J. Spaun's emotional victory. While Spaun lifted the trophy at Oakmont, another major shift in golf was brewing behind the scenes. New PGA Tour CEO comes clean on LIV Golf negotiations Rolapp didn't just walk away from any job—he left behind a 22-year legacy at the NFL, where he played a pivotal role in shaping football's financial empire. His expertise in media rights, sponsorship deals, and league expansion set the foundation for the NFL's record-breaking $110 billion TV contracts, securing partnerships with Amazon, CBS, ESPN/ABC, FOX, NBC, Netflix, and YouTube. Now, the PGA Tour wants that firepower to navigate golf's most complex business dilemma—the paused LIV Golf merger. Brian Rolapp, chief operating officer of NFL Media, speaks at the Reuters Global Media Summit in New York November 30, 2011. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo Brian Rolapp, chief operating officer of NFL Media, speaks at the Reuters Global Media Summit in New York November 30, 2011. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo Getty Images At the Travelers Championship press conference, Rolapp addressed the ongoing merger uncertainty, choosing his words carefully: "When it comes to that situation particularly, I think the fans have been pretty clear. They want to see the best golfers competing against each other. I think everybody as a golf fan. I agree with that." With merger talks appearing close to finalisation earlier this year—right before the Masters—the expectation was that golf's divide would soon be mended. Yet, despite high level discussions, including White House involvement, everything collapsed, leaving the 2-year-old merger in uncertainty. Rolapp, however, seems determined to reignite talks and find a path forward. "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," he admitted. "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." Interestingly, Rolapp has past ties to LIV Golf's CEO, Scott O'Neil. Per the two studied together at Harvard Business School, meaning the business mindset and past relationship between the two leaders could play a major role in reshaping negotiations. DORAL, FLORIDA - APRIL 03: Scott O'Neil, LIV Golf CEO, looks on during previews for LIV Golf Miami at Trump National Doral Miami on April 03, 2025 in Doral, Florida. (Photo by)... DORAL, FLORIDA - APRIL 03: Scott O'Neil, LIV Golf CEO, looks on during previews for LIV Golf Miami at Trump National Doral Miami on April 03, 2025 in Doral, Florida. (Photo by) More Getty Images With both leaders now in place, it's expected that conversations will intensify, giving renewed hope to a deal that once looked impossible. Rolapp's track record suggests aggressive growth strategies. Under his NFL leadership, the league secured over $10 billion per season in media rights, revamped global sponsorship models, and launched NFL+—a direct-to-consumer streaming service. His business success story makes him uniquely suited to strengthen the PGA Tour. What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below! More Golf: Rory McIlroy Drops Ryder Cup Message after U.S. Open Flop
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Golf-Former NFL executive Rolapp appointed PGA Tour CEO
FILE PHOTO: Brian Rolapp, chief operating officer of NFL Media, speaks at the Reuters Global Media Summit in New York November 30, 2011. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo (Reuters) -The PGA Tour announced Brian Rolapp as its new CEO on Tuesday with the former NFL executive set to take on the role later this year as Commissioner Jay Monahan transitions his day-to-day responsibilities. A committee consisting of officials such as Monahan, as well as golfers Tiger Woods and Adam Scott, unanimously recommended Rolapp for the role. "A year ago, I informed our Boards that upon completing a decade as Commissioner, I would step down from my role at the end of 2026," Monahan said in a statement. "Since then, we've worked together to identify a leader who can build on our momentum and develop a process that ensures a smooth transition. We've found exactly the right leader in Brian Rolapp." He will serve as CEO of the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprises, the golf circuit's for-profit entity. Rolapp, who joined the NFL in 2003, became the COO of NFL Media and then CEO of NFL Network. He was also the NFL's Chief Media and Business Officer, overseeing the league's commercial businesses, including broadcast and digital rights, and launched its digital platform NFL+. "I come from the National Football League, so I'll be the first to admit - I've got a lot to learn about golf. But I love the game, I play the game, and I am a PGA Tour fan myself," Rolapp said in an open letter. "To that end, I cannot wait to meet every one of our players, get in front of as many fans as possible, and better understand the needs of our partners." In February, the PGA Tour said it was closer to reaching a deal with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf, launched in 2022, which would help end the years-long divide in professional golf. (Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Former NFL executive Rolapp appointed PGA Tour CEO
FILE PHOTO: Brian Rolapp, chief operating officer of NFL Media, speaks at the Reuters Global Media Summit in New York November 30, 2011. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo The PGA Tour announced Brian Rolapp as its new CEO on Tuesday with the former NFL executive set to take on the role later this year as Commissioner Jay Monahan transitions his day-to-day responsibilities. A committee consisting of officials such as Monahan, as well as golfers Tiger Woods and Adam Scott, unanimously recommended Rolapp for the role. "A year ago, I informed our Boards that upon completing a decade as Commissioner, I would step down from my role at the end of 2026," Monahan said in a statement. "Since then, we've worked together to identify a leader who can build on our momentum and develop a process that ensures a smooth transition. We've found exactly the right leader in Brian Rolapp." He will serve as CEO of the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprises, the golf circuit's for-profit entity. Rolapp, who joined the NFL in 2003, became the COO of NFL Media and then CEO of NFL Network. He was also the NFL's Chief Media and Business Officer, overseeing the league's commercial businesses, including broadcast and digital rights, and launched its digital platform NFL+. "I come from the National Football League, so I'll be the first to admit - I've got a lot to learn about golf. But I love the game, I play the game, and I am a PGA Tour fan myself," Rolapp said in an open letter. "To that end, I cannot wait to meet every one of our players, get in front of as many fans as possible, and better understand the needs of our partners." In February, the PGA Tour said it was closer to reaching a deal with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf, launched in 2022, which would help end the years-long divide in professional golf. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
