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.
Gareth Bale linked with US-backed Plymouth Argyle takeover
Former Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale is reportedly part of a US-based consortium in early-stage talks to acquire League One club Plymouth Argyle, according to reports from the BBC on June 16.
While the club’s CEO, Andrew Parkinson, labelled the news as “speculation” in comments to Plymouth Live on June 19, discussions are said to involve members of the Storch family and could signal a fresh phase of investment for the recently relegated club.
From a commercial standpoint, Bale’s potential involvement would bring significant upside. A globally recognised figure could help attract sponsors, boost media interest and drive merchandise sales well beyond the club’s expectations.
With Wrexham’s dramatic rise under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney offering a proven model, Plymouth could become another case study in how celebrity-backed ownership boosts lower-tier football.
Bale would also be joining a growing group of athletes shifting into sports ownership. In recent months, five-time Champions League winner Luka Modrić took a stake in Swansea City and French rugby icon Antoine Dupont joined the ownership group of Rugby Football Club Los Angeles.
NFL media chief Brian Rolapp named next PGA Tour CEO
Brian Rolapp has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the PGA Tour and will begin his role later this summer, as announced June 17.
Current Commissioner Jay Monahan, who will step down at the end of his contract in 2026, will remain in place for now, working closely with Rolapp to support the transition. The move comes at a pivotal moment for golf, with the PGA in negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Rolapp brings more than 20 years of experience at the NFL, most recently as Chief Media and Business Officer. In these roles, he oversaw rights deals with Amazon, Netflix and Peacock, in addition to major renewals with US broadcasters. He also previously worked at NBCUniversal in corporate strategy.
His appointment hints at the Tour’s focus on reshaping its media future, especially ahead of its next rights cycle following the current NBC deal, which runs through 2030.
“What’s attracted me is that the players own the Tour,” Rolapp said. “They’re the shareholders. They’re the owners. And they know that what’s good for fans is good for the Tour.”
Rolapp will serve on both the PGA Tour Policy Board and the PGA Tour Enterprises Board. The Tour has not confirmed whether he will eventually hold the Commissioner title.
Dana White reveals the name of new boxing promotion
Dana White’s long-anticipated boxing venture will be called Zuffa Boxing, reviving the name synonymous with the UFC’s early rise.
The announcement marks the official branding of TKO Group Holdings’ new promotional company as it prepares to launch with the September 13 fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.
The fight will be broadcast globally on Netflix, highlighting White’s goal to bring boxing into the modern streaming era. The Zuffa brand was used by White and the Fertitta brothers when buying UFC in 2001.
TKO Group, backed by Saudi Arabia’s entertainment entity Sela and led operationally by White and WWE’s Nick Khan, plans drastic changes to the sport. This includes unifying belts by having just one world champion per weight division and controlling rankings centrally.
White has emphasised his goal of “the best fighting the best”, aiming to simplify matchmaking and build fight cards with excitement, similar to UFC’s model.
Zuffa Boxing also plans global talent development, using UFC’s Performance Institutes to nurture fighters.
Lionel Messi to drink his own Más+ at World Cup defence
Lionel Messi’s hydration drink, Más+ by Messi, has become the official hydration partner for all the Argentine national football teams.
Announced on June 17, the partnership includes all teams under the Argentine Football Association (AFA), including men’s, women’s, youth, futsal, and beach squads, as the men’s team prepares to defend their World Cup title next summer.
The partnership was launched at a Miami event on June 15, bringing together Argentina legends, AFA representatives, and the Más+ by Messi team.
“We are on a mission to spotlight the importance of hydration and its positive impact on your body and mind,” said Andy Hawkswell, Senior Director Global Partnerships, Mark Anthony Brands International.
“Más+ by Messi is native to soccer culture, and this partnership enables us to showcase to the world that they too can hydrate like a champion to reach their goals, be that on or off the pitch.”
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 learn about why Serena and Venus Williams are teaming up again, click HERE to read!
