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.
Forbes name most powerful women in US sport
Forbes has named the three most powerful women in sport in the US, ranking Gayle Benson first, Amy Howe second and Amy Montagne third.
Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans, made history in 2018 as the only woman to own both an NFL and NBA team. The franchises now boast a combined valuation of $8.35bn, while Benson herself has an estimated net worth of $7.9bn.
She has played a key role in the NFL’s international expansion, with the Saints securing marketing rights in France and partnering with the Paris Musketeers of the European League of Football.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in February that “in business, philanthropy and football, Gayle is a leader, always advocating for the Saints and her native city.”
Amy Howe, CEO of FanDuel since 2021, leads the US sportsbook market, with the company capturing 41% of US revenue last year. She has expanded partnerships across the NFL, NBA, WNBA and MLB and introduced FanDuel Pulse, a live update feature for bettors.
Amy Montagne, Nike Brand President, oversees a $44.7bn business and previously ran Nike’s Asia Pacific and Latin America operations. Before her May 2025 promotion, she managed Nike Women and landmark athlete deals, including A’ja Wilson’s signature A’One shoe.
The full list, published on October 22, can be found HERE.
FBI arrests NBA’s Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were arrested by the FBI on October 23 as part of an investigation into illegal gambling and sports-betting activity.
Billups appeared in federal court in Portland and was released under conditions including surrendering his passport, posting a substantial bond, and restrictions on travel and gambling.
Rozier appeared in Orlando, using his Florida home as bond and also facing travel and gambling restrictions.
Billups’ attorney, Chris Heywood, described his client as “a man of integrity” who intends to fight the charges.
“To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his hall-of-fame legacy, his reputation, and his freedom,” he said.
Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, said his client “was cleared by the NBA and these prosecutors revived that non-case. Terry is not a gambler, but he is not afraid of a fight, and he looks forward to winning this fight.”
The arrests are connected to a wider investigation into rigged poker games and insider betting, involving former NBA players and associates of organised crime. FBI Director Kash Patel described the probe as uncovering “a network of corruption that has undermined the integrity of professional sports for far too long.”
The NBA has placed both Rozier and Billups on immediate leave, emphasising the league “takes these allegations with the utmost seriousness.”
Danny Röhl appointed Rangers Head Coach
Rangers have named Danny Röhl as the new Head Coach on an initial two-and-a-half-year deal, replacing Russell Martin.
Röhl brings experience from top European clubs, having begun his coaching career at RB Leipzig before assisting Ralph Hasenhuttl at Southampton. In 2019, he became assistant manager to Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich, helping the club win the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and UEFA Champions League in his first season. He later joined Flick with the German national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
October 2023 marked Röhl’s first managerial role at Sheffield Wednesday, where he guided the Championship side from bottom of the table and winless in their first 11 matches to safety and a 12th-place finish.
“I set high standards for myself and the team,” Röhl said. “We have no time to waste and will give everything to reward the supporters and the club. Rangers is built on hard work, unity, and success, and I want my team to represent that from the start.”
Rangers lost Röhl’s first game in charge on October 23, with the final score of 3-0 to Brann in the UEFA Europa League.
Rebecca McCloy to lead DAZN’s commercial strategy
DAZN has appointed Rebecca McCloy as its new Group Chief Commercial Officer, tasking her with overseeing global rights and acquisitions.
Starting from November, McCloy will work with local teams to expand DAZN’s sports rights and commercial initiatives. She joins from DAZN’s Foxtel business in Australia, where she spent 12 years leading content acquisitions and partnerships.
“Rebecca is highly regarded across the global sports landscape, having played leading roles in securing both Australian and international commercial deals for Foxtel Group, solidifying its position as Australia’s sport leader,” said DAZN CEO Shay Segev.
In a statement, McCloy said she is “excited to be joining DAZN. It’s a huge opportunity to contribute to the group’s global ambitions.”
She added she looks forward to working with Segev and DAZN’s market teams on sports rights and commercial opportunities.
The appointment comes as DAZN targets profitability in 2025, following a $877.5m operating loss in 2024, down from $1.37bn in 2023.
Marc Watson, the outgoing CCO, will transition to a new role supporting Segev on strategic group-wide projects.
Koby Langley takes the helm of USOPC operations
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has appointed Koby Langley as its new Chief Operating Officer, where he will lead operational strategy.
Langley will report directly to USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland and relocate to Colorado Springs, officially starting on November 10, 2025. His role covers finance, IT, procurement, facilities management and strategic planning.
In a release published on October 23, the organisation said Langley will help ensure the USOPC is prepared for the “Decade of Sport,” including the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milano-Cortina 2026, Los Angeles 2028 and Salt Lake City-Utah 2034.
“Koby brings a rare combination of operational expertise, strategic vision, and mission-driven leadership,” said Hirshland. “From his service in the US Army to his leadership within the American Red Cross, Koby has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to people and purpose.”
Langley joins the USOPC after more than a decade at the American Red Cross, where he led Humanitarian Services in the Northeast Division and previously oversaw International Services and Service to the Armed Forces.
“I am honoured to join the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee and help advance its mission of empowering Team USA athletes,” Langley said. “I look forward to supporting the people, systems, and culture that make that excellence possible every day.”
The COO role, previously combined with General Counsel, was restructured after Chris McCleary’s retirement.
Snapshot Moves
Michael Beckerman has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer at Canadian Soccer Business, taking the lead on commercial strategy and partnerships as the organisation looks to grow the sport’s business and profile ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Jimmy Butler, six-time NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, has joined San Diego Wave FC’s investor group.
Robert Hofmann has joined Major League Baseball as VP of Club Services, bringing nearly two decades of league and team experience from the NFL and NBA.
David Highhill has been appointed Head of Strategy at the WTA, focusing on growth, analytics and long-term strategic initiatives.
Pepsi has partnered with David Beckham and Lauren James for a limited-edition on-pack promotion for EA SPORTS FC 26, offering players in-game rewards across select global markets.
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 how Luka Modric left fans confused with a blockchain partnership, click HERE to read!
