Kolisi headlines newly-launched Athlete Advisory Board

Global Sport Group (GSG), the CVC backed platform investing in some of the world’s elite sports leagues, today announced the launch of the Athlete Advisory Board (AAB) alongside a partnership with Roc Nation Sports International.

SIYA KOLISI JOINS ELITE LIST ON BOARD

The AAB is designed to ensure the voices and perspectives of athletes sit at the centre of the group’s planning, league inputs and long-term strategy, and brings together three international stars from across GSG’s portfolio sports, representing both men’s and women’s perspectives and diverse geographies.

• Siya Kolisi (Rugby, South Africa) – Offering experience in international competition and a strong perspective on community and grassroots engagement.
• David Villa (Football/Soccer, Spain) – Bringing insight into the global football ecosystem, with a focus on player pathways and fan connection.
• Skylar Diggins (Basketball, USA) – Providing expertise on women’s sports, individual athlete representation and the globalisation of sport.

The Board will meet regularly with GSG’s leadership team and league partners, offering direct feedback on topics that include:

• Athlete engagement and facilitating increased player-to-fan connections
• Pathways for women and youth athletes
• Commercialisation of sport without loss of integrity
• Fan engagement through authentic athlete storytelling

Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI) will support the Athlete Advisory Board by leveraging its global network and expertise in athlete representation, while providing the AAB with diverse athlete insight, ensuring GSG’s strategy is deeply informed by the players’ perspective.

Marc Allera, Chair of GSG, said: “GSG is built on the principle that sport’s long-term success depends on balancing commercial growth with respect for athletes and fans. The Athlete Advisory Board gives us a structured way to bring those voices directly into our decision making, ensuring our leagues grow in ways that reflect the values and realities of the players themselves.”

LaLiga legend and all time top scorer for Spain’s national soccer team, David Villa, commented on the board’s global perspective:

“Football is a truly global game, and what’s clear is that the athlete’s voice is the most trusted voice with the fans. I am joining the AAB to help GSG ensure their investment strategies genuinely strengthen the player-fan connection and build sustainable pathways for talent development across every major market.”

Siya Kolisi, the legendary South Africa Rugby captain who is on the verge of earning 100 Test caps, spoke to the issue of player welfare.

“As someone who has lived the realities of the professional game, my goal is to ensure that player feedback – in terms of tackling both physical and mental demands – isn’t just a talking point but a core part of the commercial strategy. This board will be a powerful mechanism for change in that space, especially in rugby.”

WHEN THE BOARD WILL CONVENE

The AAB will convene its first meeting later in November, marking the official launch of the group, when it will discuss shared priorities for the year ahead, including athlete workload, the growth of women’s sport, and ensuring that fans remain at the heart of the sports experience.

Basketball superstar and Olympic gold medallist Skylar Diggins highlighted the importance of fairness and growth in women’s sport: “This is a moment where women’s sports will receive the equitable and responsible investment they deserve. My focus on the AAB will be on issues like fair wages and brand building to make sure that as the women’s game expands globally, the commercial model directly benefits the athletes who are driving that growth.”