Welcome to Sideline Moves, Insider Sport’s 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.
Idris Elba takes charge of Rukkas FC in Baller League
Award-winning actor, producer and DJ Idris Elba has made a surprise move into football management.
On September 30, Elba confirmed he will take the helm of Rukkas FC, a new team in the UK’s Baller League. He will manage the squad alongside friend and British business executive Dean Forbes.
Baller League is a six-a-side competition which mixes traditional football with street-style rules. The league launched earlier this year and attracted over 7.7 million hours of online viewing, largely driven by a mix of celebrities and athletes leading teams.
Season Two promises to maintain this high-profile approach, with Elba joining an existing roster of managers which includes Alan Shearer, Chloe Kelly, AngryGinge, John Terry, Maya Jama and more.
“I am excited to be taking Rukkas FC into Baller League and collaborating with my friend Dean Forbes. Two guys with a love of the game, we have spent decades of our careers challenging the status quo and working to give second chances,” said Elba.
“We can’t wait to work with this next generation of talent. To our competitors, take note, we are here to win and take Rukkas FC all the way.”
Rafa de los Santos named NFL Spain general manager
The NFL has appointed Rafa de los Santos as general manager for its operations in Spain, as reported by 2Playbook on October 1.
De los Santos, who spent the past three years as head of sports at Amazon Web Services in Europe, will lead the league’s business development and growth strategy in the country. He will also coordinate with other national managers to maintain a global approach.
The appointment comes ahead of the NFL’s first game in Spain this season, scheduled for November 16 at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu, where the Washington Commanders will face the Miami Dolphins.
It is a fitting venue, given de los Santos’ previous role as digital director at Real Madrid from 2012 to 2019. He later served as business director at Girondins de Bordeaux from 2019 to 2022 and previously led business development and partnerships at Microsoft in Spain.
“With Spain’s great sporting tradition and such a passionate fan base, there’s no better place to continue to significantly grow the game of American football,” De los Santos said.
Michael Cavanagh becomes Co-CEO of Comcast
Comcast has announced Michael Cavanagh will become Co-CEO in January 2026, sharing the role with current Chairman and Co-CEO Brian Roberts.
Cavanagh joined Comcast in 2015 as Chief Financial Officer and currently serves as President. Before joining the media giant, he spent over two decades in financial services, including six years as CFO of JPMorgan Chase and a tenure as Co-CEO of its Corporate & Investment Bank.
“Since joining Comcast a decade ago, Mike has proven himself to be a trusted and collaborative leader,” said Roberts. “He is the ideal person to help lead Comcast as we manage the pivot we are making to drive growth across the company.”
Cavanagh’s promotion comes amid Comcast’s expanding media ventures. In March, the company signed a three-year partnership with the International Olympic Committee to secure media rights for the 2033-2036 cycle, including the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and the 2036 Games.
“Comcast is a special company with exceptional businesses and an incredible team. It is an honour to work with Brian and the entire Comcast NBCUniversal leadership team during this exciting and transformative time in our industry,” said Cavanagh.
Cavanagh will also join the company’s board of directors in January, as per the announcement on September 29.
Four high-profile investors added to Angel City FC ownership
Angel City Football Club has added four high-profile investors to its ownership group: NBA star Chris Paul, philanthropist Solina Chau, diversity advocate Ina Coleman and entrepreneur and producer Paul Bernon.
Announced September 29, the additions expand a roster of more than 100 investors. Investors already include Natalie Portman, Billie Jean King, Mia Hamm, Christina Aguilera, as well as other athletes, artists and executives.
Angel City has quickly become one of the world’s most valuable women’s sports teams, generating an estimated $35m in 2024 and achieving a reported valuation of $280m.
“Chris, Solina, Ina, and Paul exemplify the values and vision that define ACFC,” said controlling owner Willow Bay. “Their leadership across business, sport, advocacy, and social impact makes them ideal partners as we continue building a world-class, forward-thinking club.”
Paul called joining the club “an amazing opportunity to support women’s sports and help drive positive change,” while Chau said she was “delighted to be part of a movement reshaping what’s possible in sports, equality, and community.”
Newcastle Red Bulls unveil updated management team
Newcastle Red Bulls has announced a revamped management structure as part of a wider push to strengthen the club.
The club confirmed on October 1, Steve Diamond, the club’s Director of Rugby, is stepping down. Newcastle Red Bulls thanked him for his “passion, contribution and guidance” during a transitional period.
From November 1, Neil McIlroy will take over as sporting general manager, overseeing all rugby operations. McIlroy joins from Catalan Dragons and ASM Clermont. Alan Dickens, senior coach since 2024, will become head coach, reporting directly to McIlroy.
John Fletcher, previously Head of Pathways at the SRU and former England Under-18s head, will start on December 1 as academy and pathways director, focusing on local player and coach development.
Jonny Petrie, former CEO of Ulster Rugby and Managing Director of Edinburgh Rugby, will join as managing director on October 6, responsible for the club’s long-term off-field strategy.
The restructuring comes after Red Bull’s investment and rebrand of the club, following three seasons at the bottom of the Gallagher Premiership.
Snapshot Moves
Harry Kane has been named global brand ambassador for EVEREADY, partnering on international marketing campaigns across digital, retail and outdoor channels.
Andrew Brown, former WWE Head of Global Strategy, has been appointed Head of North America for A&W Capital, coinciding with the opening of the firm’s New York office.
Rob Pilgrim has left YouTube, where he led sport and primetime for EMEA, to take charge of Meta’s sports partnerships team.
Lauren Hurvitz has been named SVP, Communications for the New York Mets, joining the organisation’s senior leadership team on November 3, 2025.
Rouven Kasper, former VfB Stuttgart board member and ex-FC Bayern Asia President, will join FC Bayern München as board member for marketing and sales on January 1, 2026.
Ronnie O’Sullivan backs Pluto Snooker 900, a new streaming channel launching October 6, featuring 15-minute matches and over £600,000 in prizes for amateur players.
Jolie Sharpe has signed with CAA Sports for representation across all areas, joining the agency’s UK and Europe sports media roster.
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 the USL’s key appointment in its bid to compete with the MLS, click HERE to read!
