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.
Former NBA Europe executive named Euroleague Basketball CEO
Euroleague Basketball has appointed former NBA Europe executive Jesús “Chus” Bueno as its new CEO.
Bueno joins Euroleague from DAZN, where he led the development of the platform’s basketball vertical and previously spent 12 years at the NBA as VP for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, a notable hire as the NBA explores launching a European league.
He replaces Paulius Motiejūnas, whose departure follows shareholder dissatisfaction over stalled negotiations with both the NBA and FIBA, as well as fatigued relations with clubs including Real Madrid and Fenerbahçe.
Motiejūnas wasn’t shy in locking horns with the NBA over its plans to launch a European league and one of his last comments on the plans came after the NBA reportedly made inroads with potential investors, saying: “We’ve [Euroleague] only heard the plan or the fireworks of how amazing it will be, how much potential there is,” Motiejunas said. “But having a theory is one – and making it work is two.”
The decision to appoint Bueno suggests the organisation is seeking a more cooperative approach with the NBA. Euroleague Commercial Assets said he was unanimously elected by shareholders and will oversee the league’s overall strategy, adding the board remains focused on strengthening governance and ensuring the effective execution of its long term vision.
Josh D’Amaro becomes new Walt Disney CEO
Disney has appointed Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, as its next CEO, succeeding Bob Iger.
D’Amaro is currently responsible for the company’s largest business segment, generating $36bn in FY2025 and employing 185,000 people worldwide. He has led the largest global expansion in Disney Experiences history.
“Josh D’Amaro possesses that rare combination of inspiring leadership and innovation, a keen eye for strategic growth opportunities, and a deep passion for the Disney brand and its people – all of which make him the right person to take the helm as Disney’s next CEO,” said Board Chairman James Gorman.
The appointment comes as Disney has increased its focus on sport, including streaming La Liga matches in the UK and Ireland, securing exclusive rights to the UEFA Women’s Champions League for five years and investing in NFL collaborations.
Ige was a known football fan which was proven when he became majority owner of Angel City FC in 2024. However, it remains to be seen how D’Amaro will prioritise sports within the company’s strategy.
Commenting on his new position, D’Amaro said he is “immensely grateful to the Board for entrusting me with leading a company that means so much to me and millions around the world” and looks forward to continuing Disney’s growth and innovation.
Al Guido promoted to CEO of San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have announced Al Guido will become CEO, following a decade as the team’s president.
Guido has spent 12 years with the 49ers, including time as chief operating officer, during which the organisation has seen sustained business growth, expanded its global fan base and strengthened its brand.
Under his leadership, Levi’s Stadium has hosted major events and generated more than $2bn in economic impact for the region. This year, the stadium will host both Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup, making it the first venue in history to stage both in the same calendar year.
“Al has been an exceptional leader for this organization for more than a decade,” said Principal Owner Jed York. “His vision, partnership, and steady leadership have positioned the 49ers for success today and well into the future.”
Guido said: “The focus remains on winning — on the field and across the organization — and that standard will continue to guide our work.”
Ahead of the 49ers hosting the Super Bowl LX this Sunday (February 8), the Insider Sport team has produced an in-depth report on betting, hospitality, broadcasting and advertising around the game.
Stockport County launches women’s team with Tracey Neville
Stockport County FC has announced the creation of Stockport County Women, with Tracey Neville stepping in as Managing Director of the project.
The team, previously Stockport County Ladies, will compete under the new name Stockport County Women from the 2026/27 season. As Managing Director, Neville will spearhead development on and off the pitch.
The sister of former Manchester United players Gary and Phil Neville, Tracey brings extensive experience in elite sport.
In a statement, she said: “Stockport has the opportunity to do something special… My focus will be on creating a clear, credible pathway for girls and women to progress, while building the standards, culture and infrastructure needed to compete at the highest level.”
Chief executive Simon Wilson described the launch as a statement of intent to provide girls and women with the same opportunities as the men’s team, while recognising the 37-year volunteer foundation that underpins the club.
The club also confirmed plans to develop Stockport Sports Village into a best-in-class facility to support the women’s programme.
“Women’s football offers new ways for families to experience football, and we want to be the club for everyone in this town,” Wilson added.
IOC executive board votes before Milano Cortina 2026
A seat on the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) executive board saw a dramatic deadlock this week, as Italy’s Giovanni Malagó and Chile’s Neven Ilic each received 48 votes, forcing a second round to determine who would fill the final spot.
The tie, which was eventually won by Malagó, came during an IOC session ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, which also included votes on multiple executive roles and committee memberships.
Spain’s Juan Antonio Samaranch secured a second term as IOC VP, joining Morocco’s Nawal El Moutawakel, Argentina’s Gerardo Werthein and Belgium’s Pierre-Olivier Beckers-Vieujant.
Other newly elected executive board members include Belgium’s Ingmar De Vos, President of the International Equestrian Federation, and Korea’s Jae Youl Kim, President of Panam Sports.
The session also made history with the election of Iran’s Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha as the country’s first female IOC member and the appointment of Patricia O’Brien as Chair of the IOC Ethics Commission.
“Today more than ever, my priority remains one: contributing to the success of the 2026 Winter Games, a historic event for our country and the entire Olympic movement,” said Malagó. “Now, all my passion and commitment goes to Milano Cortina.”
Snapshot Moves
- Mark Miles has returned to West Bromwich Albion as Executive Director, bringing 22 years of prior service and a focus on stability and governance.
- LIV Golf has hired new Regional Managing Directors and Commercial Leads across eight countries to bolster local operation as the league continues to expand globally.
- Combate Global has licensed its first three 2026 English live MMA events to YouTube creator Shane Fazen, joining a recent trend by leagues and organisations.
- Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge was picked as one of eight Olympic flag bearers at the Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony.
- Josh Kritzler has joined Legends Global as President of North American Venues & Content, leading operations, content and booking across the company’s venues.
- Heineken’s “Fans Have More Friends” platform sees Max Verstappen and Virgil van Dijk, take place in a New York social experiment with YouTuber Zac Alsop.
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 Manchester United’s hire, who will oversee development of the club’s new stadium.
