Latest news with #Rolapp
Newsweek
a day ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Jordan Spieth Gives Specifics on How New PGA Tour CEO Will Make a Difference
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. Jordan Spieth is among the stacked field at the Travelers Championship for the last 2025 PGA Tour Signature Event. The Tour also recently announced that it has a new CEO, Brian Rolapp, as it appears that Jay Monahan will step down at the end of next season. Spieth met with Rolapp on Tuesday and weighed in on his first impressions of the new head honcho. "I thought his comments to the players that were there— I really, really liked him," Spieth said. "I think he seems like a steal from the most successful sports organization in the world and someone who is on the path to becoming potentially commissioner over there, to coming over and taking the PGA TOUR forward." Those are bold words from Spieth, but he seemed to be impressed by Rolapp for a few reasons. The new boss seems to have ideas to help the game grow even more. CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 18: Jordan Spieth looks on at the eleventh hole prior to the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 18, 2025 in Cromwell, Connecticut. CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 18: Jordan Spieth looks on at the eleventh hole prior to the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 18, 2025 in Cromwell, Connecticut. Photo by"I think he resonated with some of the players about challenging some of the networks on how they're showing the product," he continued. "Being open and willing to adapt and change while maintaining the integrity of the game — he said all the right things. From other players to people that are sponsors that have reached out to me since, have all been super excited about that hire and that we're very lucky to have him." For years, fans have complained about how the PGA Tour chooses to broadcast its product. Many feel there are better ways to do it, but there has not been much change. It seems Rolapp wants to make some of those necessary fixes to make golf more enjoyable, and he mentioned that right away. The emphasis on improving the product should show that this hire could be just what the PGA Tour needs to keep moving forward. Spieth also noted that Rolapp encourages players to contact him with their perspectives. He wants to know how to make things better for professional golf. "It just seems like he can bring a wealth of experience in a lot of places," Spieth noted. "He's super open to learning more about golf and the PGA TOUR's business and the product itself from those that know more about it until he gets caught up." The former Texas Longhorn clearly likes him so far, and it appears that other players, like World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, also like what Rolapp has said so far. Tiger Woods, who was on the search committee, also seems excited about the new hire. Time will tell, but it seems like the new CEO is off to a quick start. More Golf: Paige Spiranac Has Hilarious Request of New PGA Tour CEO
Newsweek
a day ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Scottie Scheffler 'Liked What I Heard' from New PGA Tour CEO
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. JJ Spaun's spectacular US Open victory aside, the biggest news in the golf world earlier this week was the appointment of Brian Rolapp as the new CEO of the PGA Tour. Unsurprisingly, everyone wants to know more about the seasoned sports manager, his background, and his plans. An always-welcomed perspective is that of the tour's biggest sTour'sConsidering that none currently shines brighter than Scottie Scheffler, it's only natural that he was asked about his initial impression of Rolapp. From the TPC River Highlands, where he will defend his Travelers Championship title this week, the World No. 1 shared his thoughts on the matter: "I think it's exciting to have some new leadership," he said. "I think Brian will bring some good energy. Literally, the first time I heard him speak was yesterday, so I really don't know much about him. I liked what I heard yesterday." Scottie Scheffler looks on at the sixth hole prior to the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 18, 2025 in Cromwell, Connecticut. Scottie Scheffler looks on at the sixth hole prior to the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 18, 2025 in Cromwell, emphasized that he views Rolapp's professional background very positively: "I think our board and Jay [Monahan] and everybody put a lot of research into finding his successor, and to be able to get somebody from the NFL, especially somebody high up at the NFL, I think is pretty cool." "The NFL is obviously a very successful organization. He's got a lot of experience and some new thought processes he can bring to the Tour, and I thinTour's exciting." Brian Rolapp's appointment as the PGA Tour's new CEO marks a pivotal shift in leadership, as the Tour navigates oTourf the most transformative periods in its history. Happy travelers week ⛱️ Time for Scottie to defend another title — SCHEFFLER FANS (@SchefflerFans) June 17, 2025 Rolapp, a seasoned executive with 22 years at the NFL, most recently served as the league's Chief Media and Business Officer, where he helped engineer record-breaking media deals and spearheaded the launch of NFL+, the league's direct-to-consumer streaming platform. Rolapp's appointment comes as Jay Monahan prepares to step down at the end of 2026, after serving as PGA Tour Commissioner since 2017. During the transition, Monahan will remain involved as a member of the PGA Tour Policy Board and PGA Tour Enterprises Board, while Rolapp assumes day-to-day control later this summer. The decision to bring in Rolapp was unanimous among the members of the Tour's board. ThTour'sching committee, including Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, and Arthur Blank, endorsed Rolapp's candidacy. Rolapp's mandate is clear: modernize the Tour, rebuild trTourwith players, and navigate the ongoing complexities of the LIV Golf merger talks. More Golf: Paige Spiranac's 'Niche' Gets Nod of Approval from Annika Sorenstam
Fox News
a day ago
- Business
- Fox News
Xander Schauffele 'excited' about major PGA Tour change: 'Always a good thing'
A new era of the PGA Tour has begun, and the game of golf will look a lot different at the end of next year. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan announced on Tuesday that he is leaving the tour next year, and top NFL executive Brian Rolapp was announced as the PGA Tour's CEO. The game of golf has had quite the discourse over the last three years, particularly due to LIV Golf, which is funded by the Saudis. It has been over two years since both tours announced they had been in negotiations - but nothing final has ever materialized. Rolapp, who was speculated to take over Roger Goodell's role, admitted that he has "a lot to learn," but two-time major champ Xander Schauffele told Fox News Digital shortly after the news broke that he is excited about what is to come. "I think the search committee did a really thorough search to find the best candidate. Someone working on the business side of the NFL for 22 years, he seemed really excited for the opportunity," Schauffele told Fox News Digital. "He sees a lot of potential in where the Tour can go, he wants to hold on to tradition and legacy, but also not really get stuck in that way, as well, if that makes sense. The NFL is constantly pushing its product, and I think someone with that sort of mindset coming in is always a good thing." Schauffele's sentiments about Rolapp and tradition did not come by accident. Rolapp said in an open letter posted to social media that his "goal as CEO is to honor golf's traditions but not be overly bound by them." "I'm honored to step into the role of CEO of the PGA Tour. Golf has one of the deepest histories and many of the most timeless traditions in all of sports," Rolapp said. "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. "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. From creating the highest quality golf product that includes the best players in the world, to strengthening commercial partnerships - as I spoke to players, board member, and fans in recent months, I felt drawn to this potential." It will be a big change for Rolapp, going from two decades with a league of 32 team owners to an organization with nearly 200 players who operate independently. "The players own the tour — it's their tour," Rolapp said. "Having said that — and we talked a little bit about this in our player meeting — I think they know what's good for fans is also good for the tour. Working in the sports business as long as I have, sometimes it's not that complicated. If you think what's best for the fan, it's usually best for everybody involved. So I think we're going to keep that mindset here." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Former NFL executive Brian Rolapp appointed PGA Tour CEO
– Former National Football League (NFL) executive vice-president Brian Rolapp said he is 'ready to get to work' after being named the CEO of the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprises on June 17. The 53-year-old spent 22 years with the NFL. He will take over the day-to-day operations of the PGA Tour later this summer in place of current commissioner Jay Monahan, who will step down at the end of his contract in 2026. Per the PGA Tour, Monahan will focus on his role as a member of the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprises boards during the remainder of his tenure. The 55-year-old took over as commissioner in 2017. '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,' he 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, and I'm excited to support him as he transitions from the NFL into his new role leading the PGA Tour.' The search committee for the new CEO included Monahan, Tiger Woods, Adam Scott – both player directors on the policy board – and Arthur Blank, owner of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and chair of PGA Tour Enterprises' management, development and compensation committee. Rolapp stands as a natural fit, having been the NFL's lead media and business officer during a period of exponential growth by the league. He is considered a potential successor for commissioner Roger Goodell, and a new role as a CEO at a different pro sports endeavour likely will not change that. Rolapp joined the NFL in 2003 and had been in his most recent role overseeing advertising, sponsorships and media contracts since 2017. Before then, he was the NFL chief operating officer and senior vice-president of media strategy and digital media. He also was the CEO of NFL Network and executive vice-president of NFL Media. 'I'm honoured to join the PGA Tour at such a pivotal time,' he said in a statement. 'The PGA Tour represents the highest level of competition, integrity and global opportunity in the game of golf, and I believe deeply in the tour's mission and its potential to grow even stronger. I'm ready to get to work – alongside our players, partners and leadership team – to build lasting value and deliver an even more dynamic future for the sport and our fans.' Woods applauded Rolapp's arrival to the PGA Tour. 'Brian's appointment is a win for players and fans,' he said. 'He has a clear respect for the game and our players and brings a fresh perspective from his experience in the NFL. I'm excited about what's ahead – and confident that with Brian's leadership, we'll continue to grow the tour in ways that benefit everyone who loves this sport.' REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
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
