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.
Sir Chris Hoy launches Tour de 4 with SiS support
Six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy has unveiled Tour de 4, a new cycling event created in response to his own Stage 4 cancer diagnosis, with a mission to raise £1m for UK cancer charities.
Backed by long-time partner Science in Sport (SiS), the event will take place on September 7 at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow. It will include four ride options catering to different abilities, with a focus on participation from those affected by cancer.
“I’m delighted to welcome SiS as an official supplier for our inaugural Tour de 4,” said Hoy.
“It will be great to have their nutritional support on the day, and we are very grateful for the money they will be raising through the sale of products which will go towards our £1m fundraising goal.”
SiS, which has worked with Hoy since 2013, is the official nutrition supplier and will support participants on the day with product and guidance. The brand is also launching limited edition BETA Fuel Energy Gels, donating 15% of proceeds to cancer charities.
“Sir Chris is an icon of British sport, and someone who is as inspiring away from the track as he is on it. His mission with Tour de 4 is admirable and the 7th September will be an incredible day dedicated to an extremely important cause,” said Dan Lampard, Chief Operating Officer of SiS.
JC Tretter and Lloyd Howell resign from NFLPA
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is entering a period of transition following the resignations of both Executive Director Lloyd Howell and Chief Strategy Officer JC Tretter.
Howell, who took over the top job in 2023, stepped down late last week, stating his continued presence had become a distraction to the union’s work.
His departure follows a string of controversies, including a consulting arrangement with the Carlyle Group, which holds NFL-related interests, and reports of past legal issues not disclosed to player representatives during his hiring.
Howell also faced scrutiny after ESPN revealed expense reports for strip club outings and an agreement with the NFL to keep an arbitrator’s ruling about alleged collusion over quarterback salaries confidential.
Just days after Howell’s resignation, JC Tretter announced his own departure in an interview with CBS Sports.
Tretter ruled out taking over as interim Executive Director and said he would be leaving the organisation entirely, citing personal toll and fatigue from months of controversy. “I don’t have anything left to give the organisation,” he said.
Tretter pushed back on accusations that he manipulated Howell’s selection, revealing that he personally supported another finalist, David White, during the executive committee’s internal straw poll.
The NFLPA Executive Committee is now tasked with naming an interim executive director.
Herbert Hainer to seek re-election as FC Bayern president
Herbert Hainer will once again put himself forward for re-election as president of FC Bayern München at the club’s 2025 Annual General Meeting, scheduled for the weekend of October 31 to November 2.
As the President of FC Bayern München, Hainer serves as the club’s highest elected official, chairing the supervisory board to set strategic and financial policies, overseeing executive appointments, safeguarding the club’s traditions and leading the annual general meeting.
Hainer has led Bayern since 2019 and has been involved with the club’s supervisory board since 2002.
“It’s an honour for me to be president of FC Bayern,” he said. “I stood in the stands as a fan even as a young boy.”
Announcing his decision to stand for re-election on July 21, he views his role as a responsibility to nurture and grow the club’s unique community. Known for his inclusive approach, Hainer stresses dialogue and togetherness as the club’s guiding values.
“I’ve always said that I want to be the president for everyone. Dialogue is important to me, and the club has also set standards in this area in recent years,” said Hainer.
“In our 125th year, we currently have 410,000 members – that speaks for itself. FC Bayern should be a home for everyone.”
The advisory board will formally consider his nomination on September 5, alongside Senior VP Dieter Mayer and Junior VP Walter Mennekes, who are also seeking re-election.
Bobby Wagner joins Seattle Storm ownership group
Seattle Seahawks legend Bobby Wagner has joined the ownership group of the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, the team confirmed on July 23.
A Super Bowl XLVIII Champion and 10-time Pro Bowler, Wagner brings experience and local ties to the franchise. The linebacker, who spent over a decade with the Seahawks, holds three single-season tackle records for the team and leads all active NFL players in total tackles.
“It’s an honour to join the Seattle Storm ownership group and support a franchise that has consistently set the standard in women’s professional sports,” Wagner said.
“This is about more than basketball, it’s about investing in a legacy of excellence, empowering women, and continuing to elevate the game for future generations.”
Storm Co-Owner Lisa Brummel said: “Bobby is a hometown hero who has had immeasurable impact on the Seattle community. He shares our desire to grow the game and knows the value and importance of investing in women’s sports. As we continue to build on the incredible legacy of the Storm franchise, we are excited to add Bobby’s experience and expertise to the mix.”
Snapshot moves:
- The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has resolved internal disputes surrounding the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as CEO, who will now take office.
- Newcastle United FC has announced Sudarshan Gopaladesikan as its new technical director of. He joins from Atalanta B.C., where he has served as director of football intelligence since 2022.
- François Modesto has taken up the role of Technical Director at Juventus Football Club.
- Steffi Jones has joined the supervisory board of FC Schalke 04 on a two-year term.
- Eintracht Frankfurt has nominated Fernando Carro de Prada, CEO of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, as a candidate for the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga supervisory board election. The elections are due to take place in September.
- Nottingham Forest have officially announced the arrival of former Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar as their new Global Head of Football.
- Leicester City has confirmed the arrival of Martí Cifuentes as the club’s new manager. Last month, the club parted ways with Ruud van Nistelrooy following after it was relegated from the Premier League after a disappointing season.
- Kevin Walters has been appointed Head Coach of the Australian national rugby league team for the upcoming Ashes series against England, following Mal Meninga’s departure to join the Perth Bears.
- Wales have appointed Steve Tandy as its new Head Coach. The 45-year-old Welshman will become the permanent successor to Warren Gatland on 1 September after almost six years as Scotland’s defence coach.
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 read about Patrice Evra’s move into the gambling industry, click HERE to read!
September 15 will see SBC organise a ground breaking charity football event in Lisbon. Make sure you get the chance to see some of the most legendary names in football by securing your ticket today at https://www.legendscharitygame.com/
