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.
Tom Aspinall becomes first signing for Matchroom Talent Agency
Eddie Hearn has signed UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall as the first client of his newly launched management division, Matchroom Talent Agency.
The agency has been created under Matchroom Sport to provide commercial, digital, publishing, broadcast and legal support to athletes and entertainment talent. Aspinall, announced on 5 March, will continue working with his existing management team while Matchroom supports his off-cage opportunities.
The UFC fighter joins during a public dispute between Hearn and the Saudi-backed boxing project Zuffa Boxing, led by UFC President Dana White and Saudi sports investor Turki Alalshikh.
Tensions escalated last month when British boxer Conor Benn left Matchroom to join the new venture. Alalshikh later posted on X: “Eddie, don’t worry, I am always here for you. And if you call me, unlike Conor Benn, I will answer the phone.”
Hearn’s decision to launch the agency with the reigning UFC heavyweight champion adds another layer to the rivalry between the rival promoters.
Aspinall added: “I’m really excited to welcome Eddie and the Matchroom Sport group in a commercial and advisory role… and explore some exciting opportunities as I continue my journey back into the cage.”
KSI backs Dagenham & Redbridge as shareholder
British influencer KSI has joined Dagenham & Redbridge FC as a shareholder and strategic partner following the club’s recent takeover by the Happy Fan Group.
Known most recently for co-founding influencer fight promotion Misfits Boxing and the beverage brand Prime Hydration alongside Logan Paul, KSI has become a well-known name within the sports industry. He has also helped popularise creator events such as the Sidemen Charity Match and plays a key role in the UK edition of Baller League.
“I’m so excited to start this journey,” KSI said. “I hope to bring Dagenham and Redbridge back to the glory days… Reaching the Premier League would be a dream. And I believe it is 100% doable.”
KSI’s grand dream of reaching the top-flight is “doable”, as seen by a wider trend of celebrity ownership in football.
The most obvious example is Wrexham AFC, which has achieved successive promotions since its takeover by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and is now competing for a place in the Premier League.
In a club statement, John Grabowski of the Happy Fan Group said KSI’s involvement would help expand the club’s global reach, adding his “passion for disruption” aligns with the organisation’s ambitions for growth on and off the pitch.
Kings League appoints David Muoser as US Managing Director
Kings League has appointed David Muoser as Managing Director for the US as the organisation prepares to launch in the market later this year.
Founded by former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué, the creator-led football competition has grown exponentially since its debut, establishing leagues across seven markets.
Muoser joined the organisation in January 2025 as Strategy and Business Development Director and will now oversee preparations for the US launch from New York. Before joining Kings League, he held global strategy and corporate development roles with the National Basketball Association and golf hospitality operator Cabot.
Likely purposefully, the US expansion coincides with the 2026 FIFA World Cup happening across the US , Canada and Mexico, with soccer interest in the region expected to rise significantly in the lead up to the tournament.
“With the growing appetite for soccer and the world’s strongest creator economy, it’s an incredible prospect,” said Mouser.
“Kings League’s version of soccer – optimised for entertainment and online engagement – has redefined sports entertainment in seven major regions already and American fans are going to love it.”
BHA names Brant Dunshea as new CEO
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed Brant Dunshea as its permanent Chief Executive Officer following several months in the role on an interim basis.
Dunshea has led the governing body since December 2024 after the departure of Julie Harrington. He joined the organisation in 2015 and most recently served as Chief Regulatory Officer before stepping in as acting CEO.
Just as one leadership role has been filled permanently, another opened this week after Charles Allen resigned as Chair of the BHA when member organisations failed to reach unanimous agreement on proposed reforms to create a fully independent board and introduce a commercial remit for the regulator.
Following Allen’s departure, David Jones has been appointed Interim Chair while the organisation begins a search for a permanent successor.
Commenting on the new CEO, Jones said the board was “delighted” to confirm Dunshea’s permanent appointment, adding that he had proven himself to be “a dynamic and hugely respected leader”.
Dunshea acknowledged the challenges facing the sport, stating: “It is no secret that the sport has experienced a challenging period as it faces up to the process of change at a governance level.”
Snapshot Moves
- Kevin Hammer has been elected the 68th USGA President, beginning a two-year term leading the Association’s Executive Committee.
- Former Cheslea goalkeeper Petr Čech has launched “Big Pete,” a 12-episode Flashscore and CANAL+ series offering an inside look at professional football.
- Victor Ortiz has signed a multi-fight, multi-year deal with BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing.
- James McCarron has been named Sporting Director at Leicester City, with Russell Jones joining as Commercial Director in a newly created role.
- Aimee McKenzie has been appointed Chief Operating Officer at Oxford United FC.
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 the next edition of Sideline Moves.
Catch up on last week’s Sideline Moves to find out how the F1 plans to use Hollywood to boost engagement once again.
