Welcome to Sideline Moves, Insider Sport’s new weekly roundup spotlighting the key moves shaping the business of sport.
Every Friday, we bring you the latest executive appointments, strategic hires, boardroom shifts, and behind-the-scenes deals from across the global sports industry – all in one place.
Teenage football sensation Lamine Yamal has been unveiled as a global ambassador for Visa as the payments giant begins its countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, announced June 11.
The Spanish international, who has become one of the game’s most talked-about rising stars, will front a series of fan-focused activations tied to Visa’s sponsorship of the tournament, which will be staged across the US, Canada and Mexico next summer.
“Football is more than a game, it’s joy and a way to connect with people around the world,” said Yamal. “I’m proud to partner with Visa to share that passion and inspire people through sport.”
As part of the agreement, Visa cardholders will gain access to exclusive experiences in the run-up to the tournament, including the chance to meet Yamal in Barcelona and receive signed merchandise.
“As we look ahead to FIFA World Cup 26, we’re aligning with like-minded athletes and brands who share our vision for using football to uplift and unite,” said Andrea Fairchild, Visa’s SVP of Global Sponsorship Strategy.
Serena and Venus Williams to launch video podcast on X
Serena and Venus Williams are teaming up once again, this time behind the mic. The tennis icons announced on June 10 a new video podcast launching this summer in partnership with social media platform X.
Co-hosted by the sisters, the show will feature conversations with guests described as “visionaries, creators and rulebreakers”, aiming to offer listeners a mix of humour, insight and behind-the-scenes chemistry.
“We’re so excited to be launching our new podcast, a place where we will share our personal stories, have authentic conversations, spotlight important topics, and laugh a lot,” the Williams sisters said in a joint statement.
“This platform gives us the chance to engage directly with our fans who have supported us throughout our careers, and we’re excited to connect with audiences, old and new, in a way we’ve never done before.”
While many retired athletes transition into media through traditional punditry, some stars are increasingly building direct-to-fan platforms. The move mirrors trends seen with figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has developed a large following through his personal YouTube channel.
Episodes will premiere exclusively on X before rolling out across additional platforms. The show is being produced by Serena’s media company, Nine Two Six Productions, which she founded in 2023.
The announcement follows Venus’ recent move into tennis broadcasting, making her commentary debut during the 2025 Roland Garros tournament on TNT.
Simon Hayes named new CEO of Sport England
Sport England has appointed Simon Hayes as its next Chief Executive, announced on June 10.
Currently CEO of HM Land Registry, Hayes brings more than two decades of senior public sector experience and will take up his new role in September. He replaces Tim Hollingsworth, who steps down at the end of July after seven years.
Hayes is credited with leading HM Land Registry through the COVID-19 pandemic and driving its transformation into a more digital, customer-focused body. His background includes leadership roles at the Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration, where he launched the EU Settlement Scheme in 2019.
A self-described passionate sports fan, Hayes still plays five-a-side football weekly and has recently taken up padel.
“I believe passionately that the benefits of sports and activity should be accessible to everyone regardless of their postcode, background or bank balance,” he said.
“Simon’s passion for the power of sport, combined with a track record in driving impact and modernisation in complex public sector bodies, made him the stand-out candidate. We look forward to welcoming him in September,” said Sport England Chair Chris Boardman.
“I would also like to put on record my deep thanks to Tim Hollingsworth for his superb service to Sport England over the past seven years, leading the sports sector magnificently through the pandemic and delivering our ambitious Uniting the Movement strategy.”
Phil Smith, Executive Director of Partnerships, will serve as interim CEO until Hayes joins in September.
Jimmy Butler joins bid to buy Crystal Palace stake
NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler has joined a consortium aiming to acquire a 45% stake in Premier League club Crystal Palace, according to The Athletic on June 11.
Butler teams up with former Morgan Stanley sports executive Bejan Esmaili and ex-Roc Nation lawyer Wajid Mir in the group seeking to buy out John Textor’s shareholding. The Miami Heat player replaces Dallas Mavericks Coach Jason Kidd, who was initially part of earlier talks before investing in Everton instead.
A long-time football fan, Butler was introduced to the sport through Neymar Jr. at the 2016 Olympics. His involvement marks the latest example of athletes expanding their investment portfolios into football, following a trend set by LeBron James, Tom Brady and others.
The reported £200m offer would exceed Textor’s valuation of £175m, potentially smoothing a path to agreement. While early discussions included Saudi Arabian financial backing, the current group is said to be supported by an American firm experienced in football investment.
The full background on the deal, including UEFA’s multi-club ownership concerns and Textor’s position, is available in Insider Sport’s report.
We’re spotlighting the movers and shakers shaping the sports business every Friday.
Submit your people moves to Insider Sport’s Editor, Rachael Kennedy, at [email protected] and be featured in Sideline Moves.
Catch up on last week’s Sideline Moves to find out the leadership changes at LIV Golf and SailGP, click HERE to read!
