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.
Travis Kelce returns to Cleveland via MLB investment
Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce has joined the ownership group of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) the Cleveland Guardians.
The minority investment, announced earlier this week, gives Kelce a stake in the franchise in his home state of Ohio.
Speaking about the deal on the New Heights podcast, Kelce noted how deep his support ran for the Cleveland Guardians and the memories he had of him and his dad watching games in the 90s and early 2000s.
“This is a way that I can always cement myself back into the east side of Cleveland, man. It’s a dream come true for a Cleveland kid. Any Cleveland kid would be through the roof right now, and I’m happy to be the honourable one to get to do it for us,” Kelce said.
The Guardians ownership group is led by Chairman Paul Dolan and investor David Blitzer, who holds an option to acquire a majority stake in the club after the 2027 season.
Kelce, like most modern athletes, has focused on growing a portfolio of commercial responsibilities away from his playing career. Most recently, he signed on as a brand ambassador for Six Flags, featuring in campaigns and promotional activity for the theme park operator across North America.
Pochettino linked with AC Milan role ahead of World Cup
Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly held discussions with AC Milan over the club’s managerial position, despite currently leading the US men’s national team (USMNT) ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Argentine coach addressed the speculation this week while speaking to reporters during a USMNT training camp, declining to confirm direct talks with the Serie A side but acknowledging that his representatives are exploring future opportunities.
AC Milan is searching for a new manager after dismissing Massimiliano Allegri following a disappointing domestic campaign. The club failed to secure UEFA Champions League qualification after slipping out of the Serie A top four on the final day of the season.
Pochettino took charge of the US in 2024 after leaving Chelsea, where he spent one season in charge at Stamford Bridge. He has also managed Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain.
In the interview, he emphasised that his immediate focus is still on the World Cup, with the US set to co-host the tournament with Canada and Mexico next month.
Ross Brawn crosses from F1 to MotoGP with new role
Pramac Racing has appointed Ross Brawn to its board of directors in a non-executive capacity.
Brawn will take on an advisory role and work with team principal Paolo Campinoti to support the organisation’s strategic direction.
The move means Brawn makes the switch from Formula 1 to MotoGP, whose career has spanned more than four decades in F1. His record includes championship-winning periods with Benetton and Ferrari, as well as leading Brawn GP to both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles in 2009 before it became Mercedes.
He later held senior roles at Mercedes and Formula One Management, in which he contributed to both team operations and governance of the sport.
“I’m delighted to join the board of Pramac Racing Limited in a non-executive role,” Brawn said. “Motorsport has always been about people, teamwork and continuous improvement and I look forward to supporting Paolo and the team and contributing where my experience may be useful.”
NRL chief Andrew Abdo appointed Tennis Australia CEO
Tennis Australia has appointed NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo as its new CEO, with the governing body turning to a leader from rugby league.
Abdo will replace Craig Tiley, who earlier this year confirmed he would step down to take up the chief executive role at the United States Tennis Association.
The appointment comes as tennis places a lot of emphasis on data-led growth and commercial development, with the use of predictive modelling and player-level insights.
Speaking on his appointment, Abdo highlighted the Australian Open’s global reach and the opportunity to further develop participation and fan engagement.
“Tennis Australia has a unique role in Australian sport. The Australian Open is already one of the leading sporting events in the world. The opportunity is to keep evolving it – as a global event, as a fan experience, and as a platform that brings more people into the sport,” he said.
Snapshot Moves
- Coca-Cola has unveiled Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay as the face of its UK FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.
- Head of UK scouting Ben Chorley is set to leave Southampton and Sport Republic at the end of June, confirming his exit after two years within the group’s multi-club structure.
- Piers Thynne has joined Williams as Chief Optimisation and Planning Officer, arriving from McLaren, where he most recently served as Chief Operating Officer.
- The NFL has appointed Sumit Varshney as SVP of Corporate Strategy and Strategic Investments, where he will oversee the league’s 32 Equity investment platform.
- Paris Saint-Germain player Ousmane Dembélé has been named a global ambassador for Italian menswear brand Zegna.
- Rugby Africa has appointed former NBA Africa executive Aïcha Diop as Chief of Staff.
We’re spotlighting the movers and shakers shaping the sports business every Friday.
Submit your people moves to Insider Sport’s Senior 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 that featured Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and his new tech launch.
