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.
Chicago Bulls part ways with Karnišovas and Eversley after six seasons
The Chicago Bulls have dismissed Executive VP of Basketball Operations Artūras Karnišovas and General Manager Marc Eversley.
The decision, announced on 6 April, follows a disappointing run of results, with the Bulls set to miss the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season.
Karnišovas was appointed by the Bulls in 2020 after joining from the Denver Nuggets, with Eversley arriving shortly after from the Philadelphia 76ers. The pair were tasked with rebuilding the Bulls into a competitive force but only managed to secure one playoff appearance during their tenure.
In a statement, President and CEO Michael Reinsdorf acknowledged the work of both executives but emphasised the need for change.
Reinsdorf also addressed supporters directly, adding: “I want our fans to know that I hear you and understand your frustration. I feel it as well.”
The departures come after a series of roster changes around the trade deadline, with the organisation now expected to enter a new phase of its rebuild ahead of the offseason.
Quantum Pacific acquires Spain SailGP Team
Quantum Pacific Group has acquired SailGP’s Spain team, pushing forward the league’s move toward privately owned franchises.
The investment firm, owned by Israeli businessman Idan Ofer, takes control of the team known as Los Gallos, which had previously been operated by the league.
The Spanish team, led by Olympic gold medallist Diego Botín, claimed the SailGP title in 2024 . The acquisition brings the number of independently owned teams in the competition to 12, leaving only one still under the league’s control.
SailGP has been gradually transitioning from a single-entity structure to a franchise-style model, with investors purchasing rights to operate teams within defined territories.
“The Spanish team is a natural fit,” said Quantum Pacific CEO Antoine Bonnier. “We are here to win and build something that lasts.”
SailGP Managing Director Andrew Thompson described the deal as a milestone for the competition’s growth. Thompson spoke to Insider Sport last year to talk about the league’s commercial ambitions.
McLaren appoint Gianpiero Lambiase as Chief Racing Officer
McLaren has confirmed the appointment of Gianpiero Lambiase as Chief Racing Officer for its Formula 1 (F1) team.
Lambiase will report directly to Team Principal Andrea Stella and will formally take on responsibilities already sitting within the existing Chief Racing Officer role, which currently falls under Stella’s remit.
The position carries overall leadership of McLaren’s race team, with Lambiase joining a growing technical and operational leadership group as the organisation continues to expand its performance structure.
McLaren described the hire as part of its wider strategy to attract and retain senior technical talent, alongside recent additions such as Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay. The team also highlighted its focus on internal development and continuity within its leadership group under the long-term direction of Zak Brown and Stella.
Lambiase is expected to join the team once his current commitments conclude, with a latest arrival date set for 2028.
It has been a significant period for F1, with the 2026 season already impacted by huge regulatory changes and ongoing disruption across parts of the global sporting calendar.
Gattuso leaves Italy job after failing to secure World Cup qualification
Gennaro Gattuso has stepped down as Italy head coach following the national team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.
Italy’s elimination came after a playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, a result which confirmed the Azzurri will miss a third consecutive World Cup. The outcome led to an immediate fallout across the Italian game, with senior figures departing.
The head coach’s exit follows a chain of resignations at federation level, including FIGC President Gabriele Gravina and Italy’s Delegation Head Gianluigi Buffon, amid pressure over governance and long-term planning.
Gattuso said his decision was made “with a heavy heart”, adding: “It has been an honour to lead the national team.”
The consequences have been felt off the pitch, with political figures in Rome calling for an urgent review of Italian football’s structure.
Reaction has also been very critical, with sections of the Italian press describing the situation as a national collapse in confidence around the game’s direction and infrastructure.
Snapshot Moves
- Maple Leafs have hired Neil Glasberg and The Coaches Agency to lead the search for a new head of hockey operations following the departure of Brad Treliving.
- America’s Cup Partnership has named Marzio Perrelli as its first CEO, with Grant Dalton remaining as ACP Chairman ahead of the 2027 event cycle.
- AFC Wimbledon Women’s First Team has announced Manager Kevin Foster will step down at the end of the season after a decade with the club.
- West Bromwich Albion has appointed Sam Jeffery as Chief Business Officer at the Championship club.
- Celtic legend Paul McStay has confirmed he will front the Season Ticket Alliance as an ambassador.
- Four-time Paralympic gold medallist Maisie Summers-Newton has stepped into the role of Aquatics Ambassador for Everyone Active.
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 see how the RFL’s hunt for a new England boss is beginning to take shape.
