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.
Chelsea part ways with Rosenior amid £4m payout and record losses
Chelsea have sacked Head Coach Liam Rosenior after just four months in charge, with the club’s financial position and performance issues again under scrutiny.
Announced on 22 April, Rosenior leaves Stamford Bridge following a difficult spell, with Chelsea stating results and performances had “fallen below the necessary standards” despite fixtures remaining this season.
Calum McFarlane will take interim charge until the end of the campaign, supported by existing backroom staff, as the club targets European qualification and FA Cup progress.
The decision is understood to carry a cost of around £4m due to a break clause in Rosenior’s six-and-a-half-year contract, equating to an estimated £174,000 per game and £364,000 per win during his tenure.
Chelsea recently reported a pre-tax loss of £262.4m for the year ending June 2025, the largest in Premier League history, in addition to a £10.75m fine after self-reporting financial breaches linked to the previous ownership.
Chelsea said it will now begin a “process of self-reflection” as it searches for a replacement manager.
Karren Brady steps down as West Ham vice-chair
Karren Brady has announced she is stepping down from her role as Vice-Chair of West Ham United after 16 years at the club.
Brady’s departure brings an end to a tenure that saw her oversee major structural and commercial changes, including the controversial decision for West Ham to move from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016.
In a statement, Brady highlighted the UEFA Europa Conference League victory as a standout moment, describing it as the highlight of her time at the club.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside the Board, management, players, staff and supporters,” she added. “I wish West Ham United every success for the future.”
Joint-Chair Daniel Křetínský credited Brady’s role in key milestones, including the London Stadium agreement, shareholder transition and the club’s record transfer deal for Declan Rice.
Brady will now focus on her wider portfolio, including her role in the House of Lords, media commitments and non-executive positions across business and sport.
JD Sports Chair Andrew Higginson to exit role in July
JD Sports Fashion has confirmed that Chairman Andrew Higginson will leave his position in July, which he has held for three years.
Higginson, who became chair in 2022, will depart following the company’s annual general meeting on 21 July. The retailer has already kicked off the search for a permanent successor.
His time at the company covered a period of international growth for JD Sports, with the business strengthening its footprint in the US, which now accounts for around 40% of group operations.
Higginson brought a lot of retail experience, having previously held senior executive roles at Tesco and served as chair of Morrisons, making him a well-known figure in UK consumer leadership.
JD Sports said Independent Non-executive Director Darren Shapland will serve as Interim Chair after the meeting until a permanent appointment is made.
Netball Australia CEO Stacey West to depart as growth era continues
Netball Australia Chief Executive Stacey West has announced she will be leaving her role as the governing body prepares for its next phase of growth.
West departs after a period of strong on-court and off-court momentum for the sport, including a new five-year broadcast partnership with Nine, rising attendances in Suncorp Super Netball, and a 13% increase in broadcast audiences this season.
Appointed CEO in December 2023, West had been with Netball Australia for 16 years in various roles. She said it had been a “labour of love”, adding that she leaves “at the dawn of a new era” with the sport set for continued growth.
Her exit comes at a time when netball globally is undergoing commercial and cultural change.
In the UK, the Netball Super League has recently entered a new professional phase, introducing structural and broadcast upgrades aimed at growing audiences, as well as discussions around innovation.
Mark Falvo, CEO of the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027, will serve as interim CEO while also stepping into the role at Netball Australia from 27 April 2026.
Snapshot Moves
- Kansas City Chiefs front office executive David Higdon has announced he is leaving his NFL role and relocating to Florida, where he will pursue new opportunities.
- Pepsi has launched its “Football Nation” campaign featuring global stars including David Beckham, Mohamed Salah and Vinícius Júnior.
- Heineken 0.0 has named Serena Williams as a global brand ambassador in a multi-year deal, launching the partnership with a surprise padel activation in Miami.
- SOFTSWISS has extended Rubens Barrichello’s role as Non-Executive Director for Latin America into a third year, continuing its partnership with the former Formula 1 driver.
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 read about how FC Union Berlin made history by appointing the first female head coach in the German men’s game.
