Front Office Sports Today

The NFL has seven national broadcasts this week, with all of its major media partners involved. That includes three games on Christmas, typically the NBA’s territory. Front Office Sports newsletter co-author Eric Fisher joins the show to discuss the league’s ever more ambitious media plans. Plus, U.S. Ski & Snowboard president and CEO Sophie Goldschmidt discusses the state of winter sports in the U.S., the Winter Olympics, the growing revenue of her organization, and how snow sports are responding to a changing climate.

Amazon is in talks with Diamond Sports Group on a deal that could lead to the tech and retail giant becoming a broadcaster of local MLB, NBA, and NHL games. The reported talks come on the heels of a MLB and Diamond reaching a framework agreement on broadcasts for the 2024 season. The uncertainty around local media revenues has led to some MLB teams taking a tentative approach to spending this offseason. Plus, Front Office Sports reporter Amanda Christovich calls in from Los Angeles, where a trial is underway that could lead to college football and basketball athletes becoming employees, with all the associated rights and benefits.

MLB is approaching a deal with regional sports network owner Diamond Sports Group that would provide certainty on costs and plans teams that have contracts with Diamond. However, that clarity will only last a year, as 2025 and beyond remain an open question regarding baseball’s media future. We also look at two woeful NFL teams and the latest voice calling for wholesale change in college sports. Plus, we hear from Bay FC CEO Brady Stewart on launching an expansion team with huge expectations. Bay FC will play its inaugural NWSL season next year. It enters with the reported largest sponsorship deal in league history, as the NWSL looks to capitalize on the momentum from its groundbreaking media rights deal.

The Washington Wizards and Capitals, both owned by Ted Leonsis’ Monumental Sports and Entertainment, have a framework in place for a deal to move to Virginia, but many questions and hurdles remain. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C., is still working to retain both teams as it tries to lure back the Commanders. We also look at stunning details that have emerged about Shohei Ohtani’s contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and MLB’s latest attempt to stoke interest in its prospects. Plus, we hear from Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan on what it takes to put on bowl games like the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl and the Pop Tarts Bowl, including the story behind the latter’s edible mascot.

ESPN's Matt Miller joins Front Office Sports Today to break down his thoughts on the College Football Playoff Controversy, how NIL and the transfer portal have reshaped college football, and the biggest narratives of this NFL season. We also dive into the NFL's plans to play a 2024 regular-season game in São Paulo, Brazil, and the Super Bowl heading back to Los Angeles for the second time in five years in 2027.

Shohei Ohtani’s deal rocked the baseball world, first with its incredible $700 million worth, then with the news that all but $20 million will be deferred until after the contract expires. Former Miami Marlins president David Samson argues that the deal is a problem for MLB and will cause in-fighting between team owners. We also look at a unique marketing campaign created by Tom Brady and Topps with help from three MLB Hall of Famers, the latest from David Tepper's coaching carousel, and ratings from the in-season tournament that will have the NBA seeing dollar signs.

Negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund are heating up following the departure of Jon Rahm for LIV Golf and the approaching Dec. 31 deadline to strike a deal. Front Office Sports senior reporter AJ Perez shares what he’s hearing from his sources regarding the negotiations. We also check in on Netflix’ latest live sports event and lessons learned from the NBA’s in-season tournament. Plus, Serie A’s U.S. managing director Andy Mitchell discusses the top-flight Italian soccer league’s plans to grow in the U.S. with the World Cup and other major international soccer tournaments arriving Stateside in the next few years.

Shohei Ohtani signed a contract with no comparison in American sports. His 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers gives him a higher annual salary than some MLB teams. It also includes significant deferrals that can be leveraged by both the player and the team. Plus, we hear from SMAC Entertainment co-founder and CEO Constance Schwartz-Morini, who helped launch and shape the second careers of Deion Sanders and Michael Strahan, and co-produced the Coach Prime docuseries.

A truce between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf ended with LIV’s signing of Jon Rahm for a reported $600 million. The move comes as the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Investment Fund, which backs LIV, are approaching a Dec. 31 deadline to strike a deal on a new company. Barstool Sports’ Dan Rapaport joins to discuss the implications for the future of golf. Plus, with the MLS Cup on Saturday, former MLS and Premier League player Eddie Lewis joins to discuss the state of the league and how it has progressed since the arrival of his former teammate, David Beckham.

The NBA’s midseason tournament got off to an uneven start, but now the league is seeing games with a playoff-like atmosphere in December ahead of its next media rights deals, where the midseason tournament could be sold as a standalone package. ESPN’s Bobby Marks joins to discuss the tournament, the state of the league, and where the NBA is likely to expand. Plus, we take a look at the national phenomenon that is the Savannah Bananas, the barnstorming, independent baseball team with a following few teams in the sports world can match.

NCAA president Charlie Baker penned a letter to all Division I schools proposing a set of changes related to athlete benefits and compensation that could allow college athletes to get paid while preserving amateurism. We dive into that and take a look at the transfer portal, which has admitted over a thousand college football players in its first 24 hours. Plus, former president of Turner and current co-CEO of Horizon Sports & Experiences David Levy joins us with an inside look into how NBA media rights are negotiated as the league hashes out its next set of record-breaking deals.

The Premier League signed a record set of media rights deals with Comcast and Warner Bros. Discovery for $8.5 billion over four years. BBC will receive a highlights package, but Amazon is notably not part of the new deals, despite being a current Premier League broadcaster. We also take a look at the fallout from Florida State’s exclusion from the College Football Playoff and the Arizona Coyotes’ latest attempt to leave the 4,600-capacity Mullett Arena. Plus, Buchalter commercial real estate attorney and shareholder Keven Rowe discusses the phenomenon of large, “mini-city” stadium and arena projects that include housing, restaurants, and hotels.

The College Football Playoff Committee passed up Florida State for Alabama in a decision that has some wishing that the 12-team playoff format would arrive a year early. The decision has major financial consequences for the ACC and SEC conferences. Plus, we take a look at the final Pac-12 Championship and hear from Jaia Thomas, founder and CEO of Diverse Representation on which leagues have diverse management and player representation and which leagues are sliding backwards.

The College Football Playoff is taking a page from the Super Bowl as it negotiates its next round of media rights. The CFP wants to implement a rotating schedule of broadcasters for its final games, with incumbent ESPN potentially just one of several media networks associated with college football’s big game. Plus, we hear from NFL legend Ed McCaffrey, father of San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey, on how the league has changed over the decades and his son Christian’s progression as a player.

Mark Cuban is selling a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks to Miriam Adelson, widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, at a $3.5 billion valuation. Cuban will retain control of the team’s basketball operations while potentially collaborating with Adelson on a new arena and surrounding development. The sale and Cuban’s coming departure from "Shark Tank" is raising questions about the billionaire entrepreneur’s future. Plus, we hear from UNC field hockey legend Erin Matson, who went from on-field star to head coach in one year, continuing the Tar Heels' dominance with a national championship earlier this month.

A report from Futurism states that Sports Illustrated has been publishing AI-generated product reviews. Maggie Harrison, who broke the story, joins the show to explain how she got tipped off, what SI has been doing, and the broader implications for the media world. Plus, the Oakland B’s, a Pioneer League baseball team, are stepping in to replace the Oakland A’s, the NHL is making changes to try to increase interest in its All-Star weekend, and the Pop Tarts Bowl may be the strangest bowl game yet.

David Tepper has now run through six head coaches in five years of owning the Carolina Panthers, building a reputation for organizational chaos — and without a winning season to show for it. We also look at the biggest stories in the college football world, including James Madison University's and Jacksonville State’s timely entrance into the FBS. Plus, we hear from Gotham Chopra, who co-founded Religion of Sports with Tom Brady and Michael Strahan. He delves into what it’s like working with his co-founders, the meaning behind the name, and the boom in sports docuseries.

It’s been an uneven holiday season thus far for sports retailers like Nike and Adidas, but Dick’s Sporting Goods may be the exception. We also look at the potential for selection chaos for the College Football Playoff and Red Bull’s dominant F1 season and Max Verstappen’s future. Plus, we hear from IMG executive vice president Hillary Mandel on what went on in the room where it happened with the recent groundbreaking NWSL media rights deals.

The NCAA is facing a lawsuit that would effectively end the amateurism model and bankrupt the organization. We also look at the massive success of the NFL’s Thanksgiving triple-header and the league’s attempt to take over the other winter holidays. Plus, Men in Blazers Media Network co-founder Roger Bennett joins us to discuss a watershed moment for the Premier League, as external forces are pressuring the league to crack down on Financial Fair Play violations. Everton is now facing potential relegation after a 10-point penalty, and the league’s dominant team, Manchester City, could suffer more severe sanctions.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy were set to launch new, tech-forward golf league TGL, but those plans have been postponed one year due to a disaster at their custom venue. We discuss the implications for TGL — and how its deal with ESPN is shaping its decisions. We also take a look at over $1 billion in dead money currently on NFL rosters in the form of injured quarterbacks. Plus, we hear from UCLA quarterback and two-time male NIL Athlete of the Year winner Chase Griffin on how he's turning NIL into a long-term career with the launch of his publication, The Athlete’s Bureau.

The Las Vegas GP wrapped up a successful first run after an incident involving a loose storm drain cover and unenthused comments from eventual winner Max Verstappen marred the start of the weekend. Verstappen said he’s looking forward to next year, and tickets are already on sale for the 2024 race. We also take a look at the harsh penalty that could knock Everton out of the Premier League and the dispute over LaMelo Ball’s tattoo. Plus, Carolyn Tisch Blodgett joins to discuss why she is leading an investment in NWSL champions NJ/NY Gotham FC, and what she’s learned about team ownership and management from her involvement with the New York Giants.

Formula 1 is making a big upfront investment in Las Vegas with the plan of making the Grand Prix a mainstay on its calendar and having a year-round presence in the city. Also, the Oakland A's are officially moving to Vegas. Plus, Peter Rosenberg, co-host of “Over the Top,” joins to discuss how the NFL, NBA, MMA and other sports interact with the rest of the culture and sometimes become bigger than the action on the field.

Oregon State and Washington State are the only two Pac-12 schools who have not announced their departure from the conference, and now they are fighting for the conference’s assets with the 10 outgoing schools. We also take a look at the deal to keep the Brewers in Milwaukee and Rory McIlroy’s decision to step down from the PGA Tour board. Plus, Andrew Brandt joins to discuss the legal status of Jim Harbaugh’s suspension, the new reality for college football coaches, and why DeShaun Watson’s contract is likely to hold the title for the most player-friendly deal in NFL history for a long time.

Netflix is considering a major push into sports broadcasting with a potential bid for the NBA's in-season tournament. We also look at a legal challenge to the public funding granted to the Oakland A’s for a stadium in Las Vegas — and some drama that could cost the New York Yankees a top free-agent pitcher. Plus, former NHL players and hosts of the "Missin Curfew" podcast Scottie Upshall and Shane O’Brien join us to discuss the state of the league, if any teams should relocate, where the NHL should and shouldn’t expand, and how it will compete with growing competition from soccer.

Netflix is producing its first live sports event, The Netflix Cup, which will bring together figures from its sports docuseries "Drive to Survive" and "Full Swing." The move marks a major step for the one major streamer that has previously avoided entering the live sports space. Plus, we take a look at the NBA's recent experiments — from the midseason tournament to a more competitive All-Star Game —with "Run It Back" co-host Michelle Beadle.

Texas A&M let go of head coach Jimbo Fisher, who is still owed around $76 million. That’s a record buyout for any college coach, and represents the Aggies’ incredible willingness to spend on their program. Also, Megan Rapinoe ends one of the most impactful careers in U.S. soccer history. Plus, we hear from Covers.com sports betting journalist Geoff Zochodne on what the launch of ESPN Bet will mean for the sports wagering industry, which is increasingly centered around a small number of major players.

The Biden Administration held an information gathering session with four former college football players, and indicated support for reforms to provide more benefits for athletes. We also look at the NWSL’s transformative new media rights deals and Nick Saban’s growing collection of luxury car dealerships. Plus, we hear from veteran and Paralympic gold medalist Brad Snyder on the impact of the Paralympic Games, how sponsor deals have helped bring equity and access to para athletes, and the connections between the veteran and para athlete communities.

Annika Sörenstam joins us along with Parity CEO Leela Srinivasan to discuss the $3.25 million purse for The Annika LPGA event, which is part of Gainbridge’s Parity Week. We also discuss the golf legend's induction into the Augusta National golf club, and joining forces with Billie Jean King and Lyn St. James to advocate for women athletes. We also check in on Amazon’s plans for the Black Friday broadcast to marry football and holiday shopping.

Shohei Ohtani is a free agent, bringing the baseball world to a moment it has been anticipating for years. The two-way star could set the record for highest playing contract in U.S. history. We look at which teams could sign the star. Plus, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen is looking to develop the area around Citi Field with an $8 billion project, which could be contingent on him landing a coveted casino license.

Billie Jean King, who is being honored at Gainbridge’s Parity Week, has made a seismic impact on sports, civil rights, and culture in the U.S. and the world. This week, she’s joining golf and racing legends Annika Sörenstam and Lyn St. James to celebrate and further the causes of creating space and careers for women in sports. We also look at issues with the courts designed for the NBA’s midseason tournament and a slew of MLB managers changing teams.

The WNBA’s move to Portland seemed like a foregone conclusion. So why did it reverse course? The league’s stated reasons don’t necessarily hold water, and Bill Oram of the Oregonian joins to provide an alternate theory, based on his reporting. Plus, we look at a women’s soccer move that will be felt on both sides of the Atlantic, the owner of the Washington Capitals and Wizards seeking $600 million in public funds, and a broken curse in Japanese baseball.

The Breeders Cup, which begins on Friday, offers the largest U.S. prize pool in horse racing. The signature race at the tournament carries a prize of $6 million, but millions more will be won throughout the weekend. Fanduel TV’s Dave Weaver joins us to discuss the race and the state of horse racing amid concerns about equine safety. Plus, we hear from barrier-breaking racing legend Lyn St. James, who was among the first women to break through in the racing world and has continued to advocate for women in a male-dominated sport.

LSU unveiled its lavish women’s basketball locker room, the latest example of how the program has invested in its top-tier program. The school is defending its NCAA tournament title while asserting itself as a top target for recruits and transfers. Plus, we hear from F2 driver Juan Manuel Correa, who had to leave his home country and overcome long odds to make it to his current position, one step away from Formula 1.

After a summer of speculation, James Harden is finally on his way to the Los Angeles Clippers. We look into how the NBA’s new rules around load management for star players may have helped bring the deal to fruition — and how they might give players leverage going forward. Plus, we take a deep dive into the record-low viewership numbers for the World Series, which present a mix of systemic and circumstantial issues for MLB.

No sanctions have been issued in the sign-stealing investigation of undefeated Michigan, but it’s reportedly already affecting head coach Jim Harbaugh. Michigan reportedly rescinded an offer that would have made him the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten and fourth among all college coaches — and the NFL will carry over any suspensions he gets from the NCAA, should he return to that league. We also check in on the latest news regarding the Oakland A’s move to Las Vegas and hear from Hall of Fame MLB catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez. A special advisor to the Texas Rangers, Pudge discusses their World Series run and what makes the organization different off the field.

The Texas Rangers accelerated their timeline to putting a contender on the field, and they are being rewarded for it. We dive into certain unique features of the organization that brought them to where they are today. Plus, we hear from Mexican National Flag Football Team quarterback and NFL global ambassador Diana Flores on the growth of flag football and how she and the NFL are seeing green shoots for the sport among women and international fans.

The Texas Rangers host the Arizona Diamondbacks, beginning a World Series matchup few could have predicted. We look into how these two clubs got here — and how they’ll impact viewership and ticket demand. Plus, we hear from The Athletic’s senior MLB writer Evan Drellich on the Fall Classic, how incentivized MLB teams are to win, and an ongoing attempt to remove the league’s century-old antitrust exemption.

FIFA is looking into whether AT&T Stadium and MetLife Stadium are up for the challenge of hosting the hugely anticipated 2026 World Cup final. Plus, another Chicago-area suburb makes its pitch for the Bears, and Charles Barkley shows why he is unique among sports commentators. Later in the episode, we hear from former NFL player and current NFL Network analyst Gerald McCoy on his move to the media, how the league is shifting its approach to certain positions, and what is causing the downturn in offense this season.

The NBA is working with tech company Playback to create an alt-cast platform that allows fans to watch along with podcasters and creators. Playback is looking to strike similar deals with other major sports leagues. Plus, ESPN and Andscape senior NBA writer Marc Spears joins to discuss the state of the league, its relationship to the G-League and Overtime Elite, and where it should expand next.

The NBA starts its season with looming questions about its next set of media rights deals, expansion, and how fans and players will react to the midseason tournament. NBA deputy commissioner and COO Mark Tatum joins us to discuss how the league is approaching all of those issues, plus the evolution of local broadcast rights as some teams are cutting ties with cable broadcasters. We also take a look at the NBA’s desire for a special, streaming-only game package along the lines of Amazon’s "Thursday Night Football."

After seeing the success of ‘Thursday Night Football’ on Amazon, the NBA is looking into crafting an exclusive streaming package of its own, with Amazon and Apple believed to be interested. We also take a look at the first player to defy the NHL’s pride tape ban and Michigan State’s nightmare season. Plus, Shea Serrano and Jason Concepcion join to talk all things new in the NBA, including the midseason tournament, load management rules, which teams could surprise, and whether Victor Wembanyama will live up to the hype.

For the first time in its history, Disney reported ESPN’s earnings separately from the rest of the company. The findings reveal quite a lot about the state of the sports media giant, and why Disney CEO Bob Iger has chosen to hang onto the company despite calls to spin it off. Plus, we hear from McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown on Formula 1's United States Grand Prix in Austin, the Las Vegas GP next month, and how he feels about a team backed by Andretti and General Motors potentially entering the grid.

The NFL is thrilled with the progress of ‘Thursday Night Football’ on Amazon Prime Video with the league in its second year of an 11-year pact with the retail giant’s streaming service. We also hear more dispatches from the NFL owners’ meetings, including the league eyeing Spain and Brazil for regular season games and Roger Goodell’s new contract. Plus, Sports Illustrated editor in chief Steve Cannella joins to offer his thoughts on the changes in sports media and at the legacy publication, and his experience of allowing Jimmy Butler to guest edit an edition.

Shaquille O’Neal is Reebok’s new president of basketball and he wasted little time in inking his first signature star: LSU’s Angel Reese. The move provides an early sign of how Shaq and vice president Allen Iverson are positioning the brand as it seeks to rebuild its stature. Plus, Howard University basketball coach Kenny Blakeney joins to discuss the school’s return to the NCAA tournament, its 20-year commitment from Jordan Brand, and how it is evolving in the era of NIL and a more active transfer portal.

Kim Ng, the first female general manager in MLB history, has declined her mutual option and is leaving the Miami Marlins. Former team president David Samson joins the podcast to discuss her tenure, Derek Jeter’s previous role with the team, why the Tampa Bay Rays could be sold, and the MLB playoffs. Plus, Front Office Sports newsletter co-author David Rumsey joins to discuss why some want the WNBA to separate itself from the NBA.

British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe is buying a 25% stake in Manchester United, allowing Joel and Avram Glazer to retain a controlling interest in the club. Ratcliffe will have influence over roster-building decisions and could seek full control of the club. We also discuss the NFL, and commissioner Roger Goodell revealing that the league is mulling the idea of a London Super Bowl in the future. Plus, we explore the international baseball landscape with reporter Shawn Spradling, in light of the IOC approving it for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and highly touted Japanese slugger Rintaro Sasaki is making the unprecedented move of forgoing Nippon Professional Baseball to play in college in the U.S.

Major League Baseball has made legal filings to compel Diamond Sports Group to declare which of the 12 teams for whom it has local broadcast rights it intends to broadcast in the 2024 season. MLB wants more time to prepare its media landscape after having to scramble when DSG dropped its broadcasts of the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks mid-season in 2023. We also look into the intrigue around Endeavor bidding for a piece of the PGA Tour, the sports talk morning show wars, and the Connor Bedard effect on ratings. Later, Ben Pickman, staff writer for The Athletic, joins to discuss the WNBA finals and the state of the league as it looks toward, expansion, its next set of media deals, and the potential for new CBA negotiations in 2025.

Brett Favre has been preventing Mississippi authorities from accessing his tax returns. Favre is under investigation for allegations that he purposefully directed funds intended for needy families to a volleyball facility at the University of Southern Mississippi. Senior reporter AJ Perez joins to discuss the latest in the legal drama. Plus, we hear from the founder of Moolah Kicks, Natalie White. White started the sneaker company after realizing that many women’s basketball shoes were actually smaller versions of men’s shoes and don’t account for differences in women’s bodies.

AEG Global Partnerships' co-COOs join us to talk about their big year, new partners, and the multimillion renovations at Crypto.com Arena. Plus, newsletter co-author Eric Fisher discusses dips in MLB postseason viewership — and why there's a debate around the format of the playoffs.

The NHL begins its 2023-24 season amid signs of growth for the league, including a rising salary cap and talk of expansion. Veteran player and broadcaster Eddie Olczyk joins the show to discuss the state of the league. Plus, State Farm CMO Kristyn Cook gives us an exclusive announcement on the sports-aligned brand’s next long-term athlete deal. The star will join Patrick Mahomes and Chris Paul as key players in State Farm’s advertising.