PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has added to his ranks with a familiar face from his days in the NFL. According to the Sports Business Journal, Will Deng will shift from his role at the NFL to a SVP or media strategy role with the Tour.
What We Know: The PGA Tour keeps raiding the NFL’s front office. Will Deng, the league’s former head of corporate strategy, is joining as SVP/Media Strategy. Deng spent more than 11 years at the NFL, most recently leading corporate strategy. The hire continues Brian Rolapp’s overhaul of senior leadership, following moves like Dhruv Prasad and Paul Hicks. He’ll report to EVP/Media Norb Gambuzza, and additional senior hires from across sports are expected soon.
What’s At Stake: With the PGA Tour’s media rights running through 2030, the Tour reportedly plans to go to market beginning next year. With Deng in place with the PGA Tour, that adds another weapon to the arsenal for Rolapp who hasn’t been shy about of the upcoming NFL media rights agreements could play with who the Tour approaches.
What Remains Unclear: It’s unknown if the PGA Tour will add more to their roster following some departures due to February’s 4% staff reduction.
What It Means: Deng arrives as the PGA Tour approaches a critical media crossroads. The Tour’s timeline collides with major structural changes starting in 2028 and a possible NFL rights renegotiation along with MLB’s media rights also coming up in 2029. According to reporting, Deng’s tri-cast experience, built with Twitter/X and Amazon, could prove directly relevant as the tour maps its next deal.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.