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.
Bryson DeChambeau signs deal with Kalshi
Golfer Bryson DeChambeau has agreed a new partnership with Kalshi, becoming the first athlete to work with the US-based prediction market platform.
The two-time major champion announced the deal earlier this week, with Kalshi planning to feature DeChambeau across broadcast, digital and social campaigns, alongside launching prediction markets tied to tournaments he competes in.
The partnership comes amid growing scrutiny of prediction markets within professional sport. The PGA Tour recently expanded its integrity monitoring programme, banning players and officials from betting on platforms deemed to mirror traditional sports wagering, including prediction markets.
However, DeChambeau, who competes on LIV Golf, is not subject to PGA Tour commercial restrictions and appears unlikely to return, following reports that he recently turned down proposals to rejoin the tour.
Kalshi has grown its presence in sports over recent months, including becoming the first prediction market platform to partner with a US professional team through an agreement with the Chicago Blackhawks.
“As the world’s largest prediction market and one of the fastest-growing companies in the world,” DeChambeau said. “Kalshi is creating a fun and more engaging experience for people to predict and forecast the future.”
Jim Gillespie named Rangers CEO
Rangers FC has appointed Jim Gillespie as the club’s new CEO, which he expected to take up later this season.
Gillespie, who was announced to fans on January 12, joins from Scottish social care charity Kibble, where he served as CEO, overseeing regulated services and managing a workforce of more than 1,000 staff. During his tenure, he led the company through a period of financial restructuring.
He also brings football governance experience, having served on the board of St Mirren FC since 2020 and as vice-chair since 2021. During his time there, the club strengthened its financial position alongside improved footballing results.
Gillespie will succeed interim CEO Fraser Thornton, who will remain at Rangers as Executive Director, working closely with Gillespie and the board to deliver the club’s strategic priorities.
“We spoke to an exceptional group of candidates across Scotland and Europe, and Jim consistently stood out for his understanding of what Rangers stands for and the standards this club demands,” said Rangers Chairman Andrew Cavenagh.
Sportingbet announce ‘huge’ ambassador deal
Sportingbet has appointed Shaquille O’Neal as a brand ambassador as the Entain-owned operator looks to strengthen its presence in Brazil.
As part of the agreement, O’Neal will become a central figure in Sportingbet’s Brazilian campaigns. The partnership represents Sportingbet’s latest high profile move in Latin America, where the brand has been investing heavily in marketing and sponsorship to build recognition.
Announcing the deal on LinkedIn, Antonio Forjaz, Head of Latin America at Entain, said the company was aiming to “set the bar high” with Sportingbet and described O’Neal as embodying credibility, competitiveness and leadership, values he said align with the brand’s ambitions in Brazil.
O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, has built a broad commercial portfolio since retiring from basketball, with partnerships spanning consumer brands, media and technology.
In 2021, the former basketball player partnered with Australian operator PointsBet as a brand ambassador.
Jason Oberlander joins PFL as Chief Commercial Officer
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has appointed Jason Oberlander as CCO, bringing more than 20 years of experience in sports and entertainment partnerships.
According to a release on January 12, Oberlander will report directly to CEO John Marti and be responsible for the league’s global commercial strategy, sponsorships and revenue growth as PFL continues its international expansion.
Oberlander previously founded DRVN Sports & Entertainment, focusing on partnership development across sports, media and entertainment properties. Prior to that, he was CCO at ASM Global, where he helped build the company’s global partnerships business from scratch.
With the US broadcast deal with ESPN set to expire later this year, Oberlander’s appointment comes at a critical time for PFL’s international ambitions.
“I am thrilled to join the PFL and lead its commercial team,” Oberlander said. ““The incredible tailwinds in the global growth of the sport coupled with the new vision and energy from John and his executive team are going to open up powerful opportunities for brands to engage with fight fans around the world.”
Houston Texans hire Scott Shepherd among other appointments
The Houston Texans has appointed Scott Shepherd as CRO, aiming to bolster the team’s executive leadership ahead of potential stadium and practice facility upgrades.
Shepherd joins the Texans from Legends Global, where he served as senior vice president and project leader, notably spearheading the Buffalo Bills’ new Highmark Stadium. He has also worked on projects with the Washington Commanders.
The hire comes as Texans President Mike Tomon restructures his C-suite, streamlining direct reports from 13 to five and giving veteran executives more responsibilities across finance, operations, marketing and administration.
Shepherd will sit atop the team’s commercial division, supervising existing revenue, partnership and development functions to align performance with long term growth initiatives.
The team is exploring upgrades to NRG Stadium, which will host games at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and a new practice facility, with any potential stadium replacement still under consideration. Tomon said the changes are designed to position the Texans to operate effectively both today and in the future.
Snapshot Moves
- Football Australia has named Martin Kugeler as its new chief executive, ending a long interim period at the federation.
- John Heitinga joins Tottenham Hotspur as first team assistant coach, returning to Thomas Frank’s staff after spells with Ajax, West Ham and Liverpool.
- James Watson has left LIV Golf after four years, having built its global broadcast and innovation operation from the ground up.
- Glen Thornborough will take on the role of EVP and COO of Boston Bruins while remaining TD Garden President.
- PUMA has appointed Nadia Kokni as VP of Global Brand Marketing, who will report directly to Chief Brand Officer Maria Valdes.
- FP Movement has added rising tennis star Emma Navarro to its roster as the brand increases investment in women’s sport.
- Warrington Wolves Head Coach Sam Burgess has invested in Hybrid Rugby, backing the crossover league-union concept.
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 Luke Littler made darts history once again.
