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.
Donn Davis leaves PFL as promotion prepares for big 2026
Donn Davis has stepped down as chairman of the Professional Fighters League (PFL), leaving the company he founded eight years ago.
“Today, I’m stepping down as chairman of PFL. I care deeply about each employee, value highly every investor, respect greatly our fighters and appreciate sincerely all our fans who supported this company. I gave you everything I’ve got,” Davis wrote on social media.
His departure follows recent exits by PFL President Ray Sefo and former CEO Peter Murray, who has been succeeded by John Martin. The promotion has also established a new nine-member board and plans to host 24 live events worldwide in 2026.
The leadership changes coincide with PFL completing a strategic capital raise to strengthen its balance sheet and fund growth. Affiliates of Knighthead Capital Management and 885 Capital have expanded ownership stakes, backing the league’s international expansion and premium live-event model.
“This capital raise marks a pivotal moment for PFL,” said Martin. “With a stronger financial foundation, engaged ownership, and experienced leadership in place, we are positioned to build a more compelling product for fighters and fans while accelerating our global ambitions.”
Angel City CEO Julie Uhrman to step aside
Julie Uhrman is set to depart her role as CEO of Angel City FC, moving into a new role as Principal Advisor to the club’s ownership while remaining on the board.
Uhrman, who co-founded the club, will continue to help guide the team’s long-term strategy and support the growth of women’s football globally.
“Building Angel City has been the privilege of a lifetime,” said Uhrman. “From the start, we set out to prove what’s possible when you build with intention, where mission and capital coexist, and where investment in players, performance on the pitch, fan experience, and community fuels lasting value.”
Since its founding in 2020 alongside Natalie Portman and Kara Nortman, Angel City has become one of the most valuable brands in women’s sports. In 2024, Willow Bay and Disney CEO Bob Iger acquired a controlling stake in the club for $250m, making it the highest-valued women’s sports franchise worldwide.
Uhrman explained stepping down is a natural evolution for the club, which she helped build with a focus on mission-driven growth and community engagement.
“Julie is a visionary who created Angel City Football Club and built it into one of the most valuable clubs and recognized brands in global women’s sports,” said Bay.
Rebecca Caplehorn swaps Tottenham Hotspur for Premier League
Rebecca Caplehorn will take up the role of chief football officer at the Premier League, succeeding Tony Scholes.
Caplehorn has spent eight years in senior football administration, joining Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 from Queens Park Rangers and being promoted to Head of Administration and Football Governance in 2020 during a management reshuffle led by then executive chairman Daniel Levy.
During her time at the London club, she oversaw all aspects of football governance, represented the club with European Football Clubs and played a key role in transfer and contract negotiations.
As reported by The Athletic, she is expected to leave Tottenham at the end of the winter transfer window. Her departure comes amid broader changes at the club, including Vinai Venkatesham’s appointment as CEO in April 2025 and Levy stepping down as Executive Chairman in September.
Around the time of Levy’s departure, Tottenham received interest from parties exploring a majority takeover. While there had been speculation a sale could prompt further changes in the club’s leadership or strategy, the club confirmed ownership and the board would remain unchanged.
W7F adds top women’s football leader to executive team
World Sevens Football (W7F) has named Claire Bloomfield as its Chief of Football Affairs and Governance.
Bloomfield was announced on January 20 as W7F’s Chief of Football Affairs, tasked with overseeing competition development, governance, and initiatives to safeguard integrity while driving innovation in formats and player pathways.
Bloomfield brings nearly 20 years of experience in women’s football, including journalism, leadership roles at Chelsea and West Ham and senior positions in European football.
Most recently, she served as the European Club Association’s Head of Women’s Football, where she led major reforms of the Women’s Champions League, helped establish the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup and introduced governance changes giving women’s clubs seats on the ECA Board.
“After almost 20 years working across the industry, it’s exciting to encounter an organisation with both the ambition and conviction to genuinely reimagine the future of women’s football,” Bloomfield said.
“I’m thrilled to bring my experience to a highly talented, female-led leadership team, united by a shared belief in advancing the women’s game with credibility, purpose, and lasting global impact.”
W7F CEO Sarah Cummins said Bloomfield’s expertise gives the organisation a strategic edge, ensuring robust governance and a compelling proposition for sponsors, broadcasters, and host cities.
Cummins herself only recently joined W7F in September 2025, bringing over 25 years of experience across sport, media, and entertainment to the women’s seven-a-side professional series.
Snapshot Moves
- Matt Rogan joins Racecourse Media Group as Non-Executive Director, bringing experience as Co-founder of Two Circles.
- LEGO has partnered with former FIFA World Cup winners Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Iker Casillas, Sami Khedira and Marco Materazzi ahead of the 2026 tournament.
- Tyrese Maxey will release his first signature shoe with New Balance, joining Kawhi Leonard, Cameron Brink and Jamal Murray in the brand’s basketball roster.
- Comedian Trevor Noah will lead a fan-focused 2026 World Cup Watch Party on YouTube with Religion of Sports and Mainstay Entertainment.
- Oliver Clarke has been appointed Chief Partnerships Officer at Volleyball World, joining the organisation to lead commercial and partnership initiatives.
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 find about the first athlete to sign a partnership with US prediction platform Kalshi.
