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.
OutField and Novak Djokovic back Le Mans FC in landmark deal
Le Mans FC has announced a major new investment led by Brazilian sports investment group OutField and OakBerry founder Georgios Frangulis, marking a turning point in the club’s long-term development strategy. The deal, revealed by club president Thierry Gomez, also includes contributions from elite athletes Novak Djokovic, Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen.
The investment supports Le Mans’ ambitions following its return to Ligue 2 and coincides with the club’s 40th anniversary. “This new partnership gives us the means to grow responsibly,” Gomez said, confirming immediate priorities include infrastructure upgrades and a new training centre. OutField brings experience from over 50 projects and a growing portfolio that includes Brazilian club Coritiba SAF.
Frangulis and OutField co-founder Pedro Olivera will join the board, alongside Aymeric Magne, a former executive at Colony Capital, Disney and City Football Group, who played a key role in brokering the deal. “We want to help grow the city’s brand and sporting heritage,” said Frangulis. “Le Mans has a unique name in world sport.”
Former F1 driver Massa added: “Le Mans FC has a strong connection with motorsport… it’s undeniably a great opportunity, taking advantage of the momentum of French football.” The move reflects the rising trend of athlete-led investment in European clubs, blending financial backing with brand-building firepower.
Repole joins UFL ownership in bid to accelerate league growth
The United Football League (UFL) has welcomed serial entrepreneur Mike Repole to its ownership group, adding further commercial clout to the spring football league. Repole will lead business operations through his private equity firm, Impact Capital, joining a roster that already includes RedBird Capital Partners, FOX, ESPN, Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson.
Repole is best known for co-founding vitaminwater, smartwater and BODYARMOR, and currently has stakes in high-performance footwear brand NOBULL, snacking brand JUNKLESS, and his award-winning Repole Stable. “There’s no better time than now to build a strong, sustainable spring league that unites players, teams, and fans,” he said.
The appointment came during a strong week for UFL-to-NFL movement. Memphis Showboats defensive tackle Josiah Bronson has signed with the Tennessee Titans, while centre Alec Lindstrom has joined the New England Patriots.
Arlington Renegades tackle Ricky Lee has also made the leap, signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The trio of player exits highlights the UFL’s growing reputation as a viable springboard into the NFL.
Ross Hutchins named CEO of the International Tennis Federation
The ITF has confirmed the appointment of Ross Hutchins as its next Chief Executive Officer. Currently Chief Sporting Officer at the ATP, Hutchins will step into the role at the end of October 2025, succeeding Kelly Fairweather, who is stepping down after nine years at the helm.
A former professional player, Olympian and Davis Cup competitor, Hutchins has spent more than a decade in senior management roles at the ATP Tour. His experience in leadership, strategic planning, and event delivery was cited as key to his selection following a competitive recruitment process.
As CEO, Hutchins will oversee the ITF’s global operations and long-term development strategy. This includes responsibility for flagship events such as the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup, Olympic and Paralympic tennis, and the full ITF Tours pathway from juniors to wheelchair and beach tennis.
Hutchins said it was “an honour” to be joining the ITF at a pivotal moment. “The breadth of the work the ITF undertakes is inspiring… I am extremely excited and energised for the challenge ahead,” he added.
WTA Ventures hires Chanderli to lead media rights strategy
WTA Ventures has appointed Jessica Chanderli as its new Senior Vice President, Media Rights. In the newly created role, Chanderli will be responsible for developing and executing the WTA’s global media rights strategy, reporting to Chief Business Officer Teodora Ivanova-Limon.
She joins from the Fédération Française de Tennis, where she served as Head of Media Rights and led the global broadcast strategy for Roland-Garros. Her achievements included securing a landmark U.S. media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery and bringing tennis coverage to its platforms for the first time, as well as integrating the tournament into popular culture with the filming of Emily in Paris at Roland-Garros.
Chanderli’s appointment comes amid strong commercial momentum for the WTA, with WTA Ventures reporting a 25% increase in revenue during 2024. The growth has been underpinned by a wave of renewed and expanded media deals, including a long-term extension with Tennis Channel in the U.S.
WTA Ventures CEO Marina Storti welcomed the appointment: “Her track record of delivering growth and innovative partnerships at Roland-Garros is impressive and sets her up well to lead the development and execution of the WTA’s media rights strategy.”
Leadership overhaul at Sport1 as Reichert exits CEO role
Sport1 has undergone a major leadership reshuffle, with CEO Matthias Reichert stepping down less than six months into the role. His departure follows those of Robin Seckler and Matthias Kirschenhofer, who also exited management positions at the Sport1 Media Group this week as part of a broader corporate restructuring led by parent company Highlight Communications.
Reichert had been with the organisation for two decades, having served in senior commercial roles before taking on the top job earlier this year. His departure is described as a mutual decision following the appointment of Tufan Özkul as Managing Director of Sport1 Medien GmbH, who will now also oversee the broadcast channel.
Despite stepping down as CEO, Highlight indicated that Reichert would “continue to be available” in another management capacity, although further details have yet to be confirmed. According to DWDL.de, he bid farewell to staff earlier this week.
The move marks a sharp break from the strategy Reichert publicly supported in recent months, particularly the pivot toward entertainment-driven programming under new owner Acunmedya. In April, he defended the changes as part of a “marathon” rather than a sprint, adding that 2026 would be “the decisive year” for Sport1.
Snapshot moves
- Sports company PUMA has appointed industry expert Archie McEachern as the Vice President of its Basketball business unit, starting August 18, 2025. He will be based in Boston and report to PUMA’s Chief Product Officer Maria Valdes.
- Darts presenter Emma Paton has landed a new job at Sky Sports.The host is part of a new show being introduced by the broadcaster.
- The Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced the appointment of Jaime Pollack as General Manager of PFL Latin America, effective immediately. Pollack will report to PFL International CEO Peter Murray and lead the league’s expansion across Latin America.
- AFL Hall of Fame member, Matthew Pavlich, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney Swans. The timing of the appointment meant there would be ample opportunity for a smooth transition period and handover from Tom Harley leading into the end of the 2025 AFL season.
- New Balance have signed Jeremiyah Love, a rising star running back from the University of Notre Dame. Fresh off a National Championship appearance, he joins a growing roster of athletes, including Marvin Harrison Jr. and Chase Young, as the brand continues its push into American football.
- FanDuel Sports Network, owned and operated by Main Street Sports Group, today announced that Damon Phillips is joining the Company as Executive Vice President, Team Partnerships, effective August 25.
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 Ferrari’s decision to reappoint head honcho Fred Vasseur, click HERE to read!
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