Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the NBA Washington Wizards, hired GRANT PARANJAPE as its director of esports business & team operations. The company said that the hire was the "first of its kind for an ownership group in the NBA." Paranjape previously worked as esports organization Splyce's business development lead, during which time the company saw "massive growth" in its footprint and talent base (THE ESPORTS OBSERVER, 8/16). ... The World Surf League announced the appointment of JOSEPH CARR as the chief strategy officer & head of int'l. He will be responsible for overseeing the WSL's strategy, corporate development and the execution of int'l operations, sales, events and athlete development. Carr joins the WSL from UFC, where he served as an SVP & head of int'l & content (WSL). ... ANDY SALMON was announced as the new CEO of British Triathlon. He will take over the body in mid-November and will guide the sport through the Olympic and Paralympic cycle. Salmon is currently interim CEO of Scottish Snowsport and chair of Triathlon Scotland (220 TRIATHLON, 8/16).
COACHES/MANAGERS: J.League side Vissel Kobe terminated the contract of Manager NELSINHO due to the side's poor performance this season. Head coach TAKAYUKI YOSHIDA, 40, will replace the 67-year-old Brazilian on an interim basis "until a formal successor is found" (KYODO, 8/16). ... Veteran football coach KIM HAK-BUM was appointed manager of last-place K League side Gwangju. Kim succeeds NAM KI-IL, who "offered to resign Monday in the midst of the club's poor season" (YONHAP, 8/16).