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.
AIG becomes largest shareholder in Salford City FC
Gary Neville and David Beckham’s Salford City FC has sold a stake to AIG, making the global insurance firm the club’s largest shareholder.
Announced December 18, the deal follows a partnership first announced in August 2025 and includes a multi-year commercial agreement running through the 2029/2030 season.
AIG’s investment will support football operations, infrastructure development, AI-led decision-making in collaboration with Palantir and community initiatives via the Salford City Foundation. According to a release, both parties also plan to explore opportunities in women’s football.
Neville said the partnership provides “the platform to keep raising standards and build something that has real value to our players, staff and to our loyal supporters.” He added the chance to leverage AIG’s “intelligence, innovation and leadership is extraordinary” for the club’s future.
AIG Chairman and CEO Peter Zaffino described Salford City’s ownership group, led by Beckham, Neville, Declan Kelly and Mervyn Davies, as strategically positioned for “tremendous success on and off the field,” and said the club “embodies the values AIG stands for, such as setting the standard, winning together and doing what’s right to support our communities.”
Nick Saban buys minority stake in Nashville Predators
Seven-time college football champion Nick Saban and business partner Joe Agresti have joined the Nashville Predators’ ownership group.
The duo, revealed on December 16, acquired a minority stake through Dream Sports Ventures LLC, joining franchise Chairman and majority owner Bill Haslam and a group composed mainly of season ticket holders and local investors.
The partnership expands the Predators’ established ownership base while linking the NHL franchise to Saban and Agresti’s business ventures, including Dream Motor Group, a dealership network in the southeastern US
Haslam welcomed the pair, mentioning Saban’s coaching career and winning mindset, while also highlighting how the deal shows the franchise’s commitment to building a locally connected ownership team.
“Although I am now retired as a coach, I still possess a competitive nature and a great passion for sports,” Saban said.
“Being involved in a sports team in Nashville has always been a goal and the opportunity to partner in the Predators with a class act like Bill Haslam created the perfect scenario for us. The Preds are a great organisation with a fantastic brand, and we are excited to be part of the future success of the franchise.”
Peter Lawwell steps down as Celtic chairman
Peter Lawwell will step down as Celtic FC’s non-executive chairman at the end of 2025 after more than two decades in leadership roles at the club.
Lawwell joined Celtic as chief executive in 2003, serving 18 years before returning as non-executive chairman in 2023. During his tenure, he oversaw 38 cup and league triumphs, European campaigns,and large infrastructure projects including the Lennoxtown training centre and upgrades at Celtic Park.
In as statement on the club’s website, Lawwell spoke about abuse and threats as the reason for his departure, saying these had “dismayed and alarmed my family” and he “cannot accept this and so I leave the club I have loved all my life.”
Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond praised Lawwell’s contributions, bringing attention to his impact on Celtic’s domestic dominance and European profile. Chief Executive Michael Nicholson highlighted Lawwell’s dedication and called the abuse “completely unacceptable.”
Brian Wilson, a current non-executive director, will take over as interim chairman from January 1, 2026.
The announcement comes amid a challenging spell on the pitch, with Celtic failing to win in the last four league games under new coach Wilfred Nancy. Reports suggest the club is already assessing its options despite Nancy’s only being in charge for four games so far.
Chris Marinak to leave MLB after 17 years
Major League Baseball (MLB) executive Chris Marinak is set to depart the league office early next year after a 17-year tenure.
Marinak joined MLB in 2008 and will depart from his role as chief operations and strategy officer.
During his time at the league, he played a key role in influencing the modern game, helping implement instant replay and the pitch clock, overseeing digital platforms including MLB.com, MLB.TV, Statcast, and the league’s apps, and managing ticketing, scheduling, and events such as the World Series and World Baseball Classic.
After 17 years in the office, Marinak has reportedly spent much of this year considering his next move. With experience in operations, digital strategy, and labor relations he and industry peers felt his next career step might lie outside MLB.
As reported by The Athletic, discussions included other major sports organisations.
Megan Foster named CEO of Shell V-Power Racing Team
Megan Foster has been appointed chief executive of Shell V-Power Racing Team, officially starting February 2 2026 ahead of the 2026 Repco Supercars Championship season.
Announced on December 12, Foster brings executive experience across major Australian brands, including Viva Energy, MYER, Unilever and Bapcor, where she currently oversees Autobarn, Autopro and Midas Retail.
In a release, the team spoke about how her background in high-profile brands with strong motorsport connections will allow her to improve its commercial partnerships, expand revenue opportunities. As part of her role, she will also support race team performance alongside newly appointed Team Principal Mark Fenning.
“Many of us have been lucky enough to know Megan for some time… we know exactly what she can bring to this role and we’re absolutely rapt to be confirming this appointment,” said Shell V-Power Racing Team Executive Chairman Ryan Story.
Co-owner Dick Johnson, added: “I’ve known Megan for many years now and am over the moon to have her coming on board as our next CEO… we know that Megan will get things done and lead our organisation to new heights.”
Snapshot Moves
- Broadcaster and journalist James Allen will join Right Formula as president of Formula One in February 2026.
- Scottie Scheffler has been named Huntington Bank’s lead golf ambassador as the golfer partners with the bank to expand its sports marketing platform.
- Craig Vozzo has stepped down as CEO of Essendon Football Club to return to South Australia and focus on family and personal commitments.
- Kim Bolt has been promoted at Washington Spirit to its chief marketing and strategy officer, where she will lead marketing, brand, communications and analytics.
- Franz and Moritz Wagner have signed trainer deals with Adidas, aiming to bolster the brand’s connection to German basketball.
- Tyler Kurz has become vice president, club and league services at the Northern Super League to lead data-driven growth and operational strategy.
- Rob Porteous has been appointed Managing Director of WORKS, succeeding Chris Buckley and leading the agency into its next phase of growth.
We’re spotlighting the movers and shakers shaping the sports business every Friday.
Submit your people moves to Insider Sport’s Business Journalist, Kieran O’Connor, at [email protected] to be featured in Sideline Moves.
Catch up on last week’s Sideline Moves to read about how F1’s Max Verstappen signed a first-of-its-kind deal with Fanatics.
