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.
Marc Watson takes the reins at Deltatre
Deltatre has appointed Marc Watson as Chief Executive Officer, with Andrea Marini stepping down after five years in the role to become Deputy Chairman.
According to a Deltatre release on 26 March, Watson and new Chief Financial Officer Kashmir Sohi will lead the company through its next phase of growth, building on the recent acquisition of Endeavor Streaming.
“It has been an extraordinary journey so far with Deltatre,” said Marini. “Following the successful acquisition of Endeavor Streaming, this is the right moment to welcome a new CEO. I look forward to supporting Marc, Kashmir, and the wider team.”
Watson joins Deltatre from DAZN Group, where he served as Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing global commercial strategy and a multi-billion-pound content investment programme.
He previously held CEO roles at ELEVEN Sports Group and BT’s TV division, where he launched BT Sport and the YouView platform.
“With the recent acquisition of Endeavor Streaming, and a breadth of products, technology, and experience built over four decades, the company is strongly positioned,” Watson said.
Jonathan Wheatley steps down as Audi F1 team boss
Audi has confirmed that Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley is leaving the organisation with immediate effect, just two rounds into the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Wheatley, who joined last April from Red Bull, oversaw the transformation of Sauber into Audi’s works team, achieving a points finish in the season opener and a maiden podium for Nico Hülkenberg at Silverstone.
Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 Project, will assume Wheatley’s responsibilities while the team finalises its senior leadership structure.
Wheatley began his Formula 1 career at Benetton in the early 1990s, rising to Chief Mechanic before joining Red Bull in 2006, where he was part of seven Drivers’ and six Teams’ titles as Sporting Director.
He joined Sauber to lead Audi’s entry into F1, a project which has also included technical partnerships such as the one with bp, which developed a new sustainable racing fuel for Audi’s 2026 power unit.
“As it continues its journey towards the front of the grid, Audi Revolut F1 Team will implement significant changes to its senior management structure,” the team said.
“Due to personal reasons, Jonathan Wheatley will depart the team with immediate effect. The team thanks Jonathan for his contribution to the project and wishes him the best for his future endeavours.”
Hornets’ Rick Schnall leads $15m investment in Pro Padel League
Rick Schnall, Co-chair and Governor of the Charlotte Hornets, is leading a $15m Series A funding round for the Pro Padel League (PPL).
The league, which features 10 teams across North America, aims to grow padel from a participatory pastime into a spectator sport.
The new investment follows a $10m seed round completed last year and includes venture capital partner Left Lane Capital. Funds will support the league’s development arm, PPL II, as well as events staged alongside tournaments such as the Miami Open.
Schnall, who became familiar with the PPL through playing the sport himself, said the investment shows the game’s growth potential and its community appeal.
Padel mixes elements of tennis and squash, offering long rallies on walled courts while remaining accessible to new players. Globally, more than 30 million people now play padel and infrastructure is expanding, with more than 70,000 courts worldwide.
Dirk Schlünz named Managing Director of Deutsche Sport Marketing
Dirk Schlünz has been appointed Managing Director of Deutsche Sport Marketing (DSM), stepping into the role this summer as Claudia Wagner moves to ADAC Motorsport as Chief Finance and Commercial Officer.
Schlünz brings decades of experience in sports marketing, most recently leading 1. FC Nürnberg’s marketing and sales operations since 2021.
He previously built FC St. Pauli’s marketing team, spent six years at Sportfive Israel managing sponsorships for the national football team and league, and founded his own international agency.
Under his new role, Schlünz will focus on growing the Team D brand and activating partnerships for the German Olympic Sports Confederation and the German Disabled Sports Association.
He will also oversee initiatives including the “Stars of Sports” awards, the German Sports Badge, and the German House during the Olympics, while supporting Germany’s bid to host the Games.
“Team Germany, as well as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, stand for top performance, inspiration, and enormous social impact,” Schlünz said.
“I am very much looking forward to working with the German Sports Marketing team and all those involved to further develop the Team Germany brand and to advance existing and new partnerships.”
Snapshot Moves
- Footasylum has appointed former Gymshark executive Hannah Mercer as CEO, set to lead the retailer’s UK and international expansion from May.
- Luke Baker has joined AC Milan as Director of Commercial Sponsorships, leaving Manchester United after nine years in the role.
- Konnor Griffin, MLB’s top overall prospect, has signed a multi-year boots and apparel deal with Under Armour ahead of the 2026 season.
- Mauricio Culebro has been named President of soccer for Atlanta United and the city’s upcoming NWSL team.
- Caroline Marks has joined Lexus as a US surf ambassador, competing on the World Surf League Championship Tour and driving the 2026 Lexus GX.
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 learn about Emma Hayes’ surprising new role away from the dugout.
