Front Office Sports Today

The Olympics got underway on Friday with record-setting viewership for its opening ceremony along the Seine. We sat down with Bill Kirk, CEO of Weather Trends International, to discuss the dangers of the river and how climate patterns are among the most important factors for the IOC’s planning process. Plus, we peel back the curtain in a sit down with new Editor-In-Chief Dan Roberts to discuss the future of sports business and what’s on the horizon for Front Office Sports.

The Olympics opening ceremony officially kicks off the Games, and we look into how the competition can alter an athlete’s career trajectory with Rio medalist Fitzroy Dunkley. Plus, the WNBA will see drastic changes to its media landscape under its new deals, Warner Bros. Discovery is still fighting for NBA rights, and Fanatics is denying reports about a stake sale amid multiple legal battles.

The reigning gold medalist Canadian soccer team has excused two employees after they were caught flying a drone over opponent practices. Front Office Sports Breaking News Reporter Alex Schiffer joins the show to discuss the decision and its implications on Canada’s hopes to repeat in 2024. Plus, the NBA has announced the winner of its TV rights sweepstakes, Mat Ishbia pledges to bring an NHL team back to Phoenix, and Brett Favre’s business partner has pleaded guilty. FOS Senior Reporter A.J. Perez reveals what he’s learned about that case, and what could be in line for Favre.

The NFL has begun talks on adding an extra game to its season. Andrew Brandt, former NFL executive, joins the show to explain how the coming negotiations will be a test of the NFLPA’s power. We also look into the limited power of players holding out for a better contract. Plus, Snoop Dogg is an Olympic torch-bearer, there are plans for a $7 billion development around the Bulls and Blackhawks arena, and breakdancing is making its Olympics debut. Steezy co-founder Evan Zhou joins to explain how the sport rose from the dance floor to the Summer Games.

TNT has elected to match Amazon’s offer for NBA media rights, throwing chaos into a long process that appeared to be nearing its conclusion. Front Office Sports newsletter writer Eric Fisher joins the show to break down what we know and what happens next. Plus, we explore the big narratives of the Paris Olympics with former IOC executive Aneesh Madani, the host city is drastically ramping up security, New Jersey could lure the 76ers, and Norwegian soccer fans shut down a game with fishcakes.

Despite their loss to the WNBA All-Stars, the USA Women’s Basketball team is the favorite to take gold in Paris. Meanwhile, the WNBA is set to add teams and regular season games on the heels of its new media deal. USA Today’s Lindsay Schnell joins the show to break down all the biggest narratives in women’s basketball. Plus, we explore the interlocking histories of NIL and “EA College Football 25,” the USA Men’s Basketball Team narrowly escaped a massive upset, and Ralph Lauren is supplying the US some very pricy outfits for the opening ceremony.

‘EA College Sports 25’ is expected to be enormously popular and that provides a new avenue for schools and athletes to interact with fans. Matt Brown of Extra Points joins the show to discuss how the game’s impact will go beyond the screen. Plus, freelance reporter Lindsay Gibbs joins to explore the implications of Angel City FC’s record-breaking sale, the mayor of Paris swam in the Seine to show it’s ready for the Olympics, and MLS saw its youngest player in history take the field.

New York Knicks Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart join the show to discuss how the NBA’s new media deals and CBA could change their playing careers, and their big plans for a live event. Plus, Angel City FC is set to break the record for a women’s team sale, the WNBA will be transformed by its new media deal, the Packers provide a peak into the NFL’s finances, and Knicks’ owner James Dolan disagrees with his players on the merits of the NBA’s media deal.

Security issues around the Copa America final at Hard Rock Stadium prevented many fans with tickets from getting in while others climbed fences and even went into air ducts to gain entry. Filippo Silva, host of the Tactical Manager YouTube channel, joins the show to offer his first-hand account of the disarray, and his thoughts on what’s next for the USMNT. Plus, a top South American soccer official was arrested at the Copa final, Jaylen Brown believes Nike kept him out of the Olympics, and many questions remain after the Angels reached a settlement with Anaheim.

The ascent of National League starting All-Star pitcher Paul Skenes is unprecedented in modern times, but teams are already for the next insta-star. That change in mentality was on display at the MLB Draft as teams showed a marked preference for MLB-ready talent. Front Office Sports newsletter co-author Eric Fisher joins the show to explain that phenomenon, the rising stature of the Home-Run Derby, and Juan Soto’s next contract. Plus, Ligue 1 may have narrowly avoided a crisis, a minor league team is relocating after seven decades, and Spain had one of its best sporting days in history.

Like Formula 1, Formula E is a high-speed, international motorsport racing series with a twist — Formula E's cars are exclusively powered with electric engines. CEO Jeff Dodds joins the show to discuss how the electric racing league is faring in a time where racing is more popular than ever, and how their forward-thinking strategy has grown a unique audience.

The NBA is on the cusp of signing media deals worth $76 billion over 11 years. Front Office Sports Tuned-In columnist Michael McCarthy breaks down the implications of the massive deals and how they could still change, with TNT facing a major decision. Plus, the USMNT finally fired their head coach as they look ahead to the 2026 World Cup and the Oakland Ballers are allowing fans to buy voting shares of the team.

A small group of people who help college and high school athletes announce the schools they are going to or considering have become major information hubs. Freelance writer Jake Kring-Schreifels joins the show to expand on his Front Office Sports feature article on these unlikely insiders, and what they mean for college sports and the media that covers it. Plus, Manchester United is in danger of violating Premier League financial rules, a four-person team pulled off a major baseball card heist, and the WNBA rookie class is taking the league to new heights.

Nike announced major layoffs this week, punctuating a steady decline for the leading apparel brand. Front Office Sports newsletter co-author Eric Fisher joins the show to explain how the dominant company fell from its lofty perch. Plus, Arch Manning will be part of EA College Football 25 after all and two NFL Hall of Famers are battling in court.

The Paris Olympics represent more than just a chance for Simone Biles to add to her singular career – she is looking to lead the US on a comeback after winning silver in the Tokyo Games. Journalist Ari Saperstein joins the show to discuss what’s at stake for Biles and a US gymnastics team that has been reshaped by injuries just before the Olympics begin. Plus, Paramount and Skydance struck a deal, the Dallas Stars are launching a free streaming service, a PED-friendly Olympics alternative is looking to raise $300 million, and Dan Hurley signed a $50M deal with UConn.

With the second half of the year underway, we take a look at the big stories that could shape the rest of the year. The Front Office Sports writers join the show to discuss a potential sport-defining deal in golf, local and national media rights in MLB, the NBA, and NHL, the Bronny-LeBron connection in Los Angeles, and whether ESPN can hold together its volatile duo of Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee.

With the first half of the year behind us, the Front Office Sports writers who cover the news every day join the show for a roundtable discussion on the major stories from the first half, including the NFL’s growing empire, the rise of women’s sports leagues, betting scandals, the massive changes to college sports and plenty more. Plus, there will be some new quirks to the MLB Draft and Home Run Derby.

The U.S. is hosting major international soccer tournaments three years in a row, beginning with this year’s Copa America and culminating in the 2026 World Cup. MLS executive Camilo Durana joins the show to discuss how the league is gaining off this run of international attention. Plus, the Boston Celtics are for sale, and over $1 billion in player deals have already been given out this NBA offseason.

The $4.7 billion judgement against the NFL could have significant financial consequences for the league, but the greater impact may be in how it changes the league’s revenue model. The NFL has had a long-term practice of evenly distributing media dollars among its teams. Should the verdict against the league hold up, individual teams would be able to seek whatever the market would allow for their out-of-market games. Andrew Brandt, executive director of Villanova’s Moorad Center for Sports Law, joins the show to explain the suit’s full implications. Plus, NBA free agency has begun, the Euros are drawing big viewership numbers in the US, and a former number one NFL draft pick is being sued by his alma mater.

Billie Jean King is as active as ever in the fight to elevate women’s sports. The 39-time grand slam winner and activist joins the show to discuss the growth of the WNBA, NWSL, and PWHL, her involvement in Parity Week by Gainbridge and what it will take to bring women’s sports up to equal stature and pay as men’s sports. Plus, the NFL was ordered to pay $4.7 billion in its antitrust trial, the NWSL is having its best year ever, LIV Golf’s streaming partner shut down, and Peacock will use an AI-generated version of Al Michael’s voice during the Olympics.

The College World Series has gone from a niche event to one that draws impressive viewership and attendance numbers. Front Office Sports newsletter co-author David Rumsey joins the show to discuss what has led to the event’s ascent. Plus, NHL Awards Ceremony host Matt Friend discusses how he is preparing for the event, the NCAA is unbanning cannabis, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed a major stadium deal, and Raiders coach Antonio Pierce is facing major financial issues related to defaulted loans to car dealerships.

The NBA is moving its draft to a two-day format as a new collective bargaining agreement will reshape how teams build their rosters. Both changes could stir major trades as one of the more unsettled drafts in recent memory plays out. Front Office Sports breaking news and enterprise reporter Alex Schiffer joins the show to break down the big storylines before the draft. Plus, the Coyotes’ ownership group is ending its attempt to restart the franchise, the Chiefs are getting the Hallmark treatment, and we explore the state of NIL with Chloe V. Mitchell, an early practitioner and entrepreneur in the space.

Copa America and the European Championship provide contrasting international soccer tournaments as the US is seeking to assert its place in the sport’s global landscape. Men in Blazers founder Roger Bennett joins the show to discuss the simultaneous tournaments and some surprising findings from their survey of American soccer fans. Plus, TMRW Sports received a major investment months before its launch, the Miami Marlins are covering fans’ costs for their local streaming network, and ESPN is taking a page from its parent company with a new fan offering.

The Arizona Coyotes’ hopes of restarting their franchise took a hit when the Arizona State Land Department canceled an auction for land the team was planning to use for a new arena and entertainment district. The move was made after the department determined that the Coyotes didn’t have the proper permit to carry out their plans. Front Office Sports senior reporter AJ Perez joins the show to discuss whether or not this ownership group will succeed in bringing hockey back to the desert. Plus, Roku’s head of sports Joe Franzetta joins the show to explain how his company is positioned as a platform that is partly insulated from the major shifts in media consumption, but is still buying up sports rights of its own.

US soccer star Tobin Heath saw a gap in how women’s sports were covered, specifically in how both leagues and media companies generally followed the same blueprint as men’s sports. She joins the show to discuss the state of soccer as Copa America and the Euros heat up, the NWSL’s growing pains, and how women’s sports brings in new communities. Plus, JJ Redick and Carlos Alcaraz signed major contracts and Stephen A. Smith is hoping to do the same.

MLB had its best-attended weekend in over a decade, while its local broadcasting future gets hashed out in court. Meanwhile, a change in the minor leagues provides hints on the future of umpiring. The league is also commemorating the Negro Leagues with a game in Alabama, as it continues its series of custom-built specialty games. Front Office Sports newsletter co-author Eric Fisher joins the show to break down everything going on with the busy league. Plus, Pat McAfee reportedly remains without a contract to keep his place on ESPN’s College GameDay, and many Charlotte residents are unhappy with a proposal to spend $650 million renovating the Panthers’ stadium.

The Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to the sports betting monopoly held by the Seminole Tribe in Florida. The decision likely secures the tribe’s domination of the sports betting market until 2051, and could set precedents that have implications in other states. Sports betting attorney Daniel Wallach joins the show to explain the decision and what could happen next. Plus, Shaun White is launching a snowboarding league, a former coach is suing LSU, and Derek Jeter sold an estate often compared to a medieval castle in upstate New York.

Chris Roycroft charted an unlikely path to MLB, training between shifts as a Jimmy John's delivery person, car mechanic, and other odd jobs. Now a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, Roycroft joins the show to discuss the habits and determination that got him to MLB, and the challenging life of an independent league baseball player. Plus, Charles Barkley announced plans to call it quits as a TV analyst, MLB faces a new integrity challenge, and the US team’s run in the Cricket World Cup could have a lasting impact.

Pinehurst No. 2 is designed to be one of the more challenging, intimidating major golf courses, and it will be the stage for this weekend’s US Open. Golfer-turned-analyst Smylie Kaufman joins the show to discuss the nuances of broadcasting the tournament, and how his time as a player against many of today’s top competitors informs his approach as an analyst. Plus, Formula E has a new majority owner, the Big 12 is mulling a massive conference naming rights deal, and a peculiar drama is unfolding in the world of competitive eating.

The Stanley Cup Final brings together the Florida Panthers, who have ridden a wave of recent success to build a loyal fanbase, against the Edmonton Oilers, a team with a deep history but little success in the last decade. Those different paths are on display as the series moves to Edmonton. ESPN’s Emily Kaplan joins the show to break down the narratives on and off the ice, and opine on who will be the big movers this offseason. Plus, Front Office Sports’ David Rumsey checks in from the US Open at Pinehurst, Paramount pulls the plug on a major media deal, and Nike was denied a trademark.

While cricket is usually associated with countries like India, Pakistan, and the U.K., the U.S. team is making the most of its time hosting the T20 Cricket World Cup. The team’s upset victory over Pakistan has the country eyeing a spot in the tournament’s next rounds. U.S. National Team batter Aaron Jones joins the show to discuss the sport’s big moment. Plus, Shannon Sharpe signed a multi-year with ESPN a year after being pushed out at FS1, a college basketball team from 1983 is suing the NCAA, and Christian McCaffrey celebrated a new contract, a Madden cover, and his birthday in one week.

The Pro League Network is carving out a unique space in the sports landscape with properties such as Slap Fight, Putt Putt, and Carjitsu. These novel sports are produced as digital-first properties to catch the attention of social media users among others. PLN founders Mike Salvaris and Bill Yucatonis join the show to discuss how they are building a sports media company for today’s fans. Plus, NBA commissioner Adam Silver floated potential expansion cities, and the Oilers run to the Stanley Cup Final has caused a strange political fight in Canada.

The NBA is having one of its most dramatic periods in recent memory with a historic rights deal expected to be announced in the same month as its finals and draft. ESPN’s Bobby Marks joins the show to explain how each of those will shape how teams build toward a future in which the salary cap is set to reach enormous heights. Plus, bids are coming in for Everton, two non-MLB events drew huge crowds at historic MLB stadiums, and the French Open wrapped up.

Sports drinks have long been closely allied with sports, but as media has changed to help athletes grow their personal brands, sports drink brands have adjusted. BodyArmor CMO Tom Gargiulo joins the show to discuss how he approaches the shifting performance-drink market. Plus, two finals broadcasts will break barriers, the NHL is looking for its Drive to Survive moment, and we explore the state of golf one year after the announced deal between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia.

Harry Marino led the charge to unionize minor league baseball players, eventually securing massive pay and benefit increases. Now he is turning his attention to a larger project: organizing non-union sports workers from coaches to stadium workers. He joins the show to explain what worked with the minor leagues and how he intends to build on that success with this next project under his new organization, Sports Solidarity. Plus, the Chiefs, Browns, and Panthers are all seeking public funds for new NFL stadiums or major renovations and JJ Redick could parlay a podcast into a head coaching gig.

The College World Series is preparing for its 74th year in Omaha, but it has only recently asserted itself as a key part of the NCAA calendar. CWS executive director Amy Hornocker joins the show to discuss the past, present, and future of the event. Plus, MLB banned one minor league player and suspended four more for gambling on baseball, while FanDuel neared a naming rights deal for MLB’s primary regional broadcaster.

Paramount and Skydance are reportedly closing in on a merger that would see the CBS-parent change hands. CNBC’s Alex Sherman joins the show to explain the final hurdles remaining for the deal and what it will mean for the media landscape. The long-discussed deal could lead to more among major media companies. Plus, the Stanley Cup Finals will provide one more test for the NHL’s banner year and Real Madrid celebrated a championship by signing a global superstar.

The ACC is working to keep FSU and Clemson from leaving, and that fight has put the conference in a legal battle with Florida’s attorney general. The other Power 4 conferences and ESPN have joined the ACC in a fight to keep media contracts private. Front Office Sports reporter Amanda Christovich joins the show to break down the situation and its implications. Plus, FOS reporter AJ Perez digs into the strange case of Dov Kleiman’s popular NFL news aggregator account and whether it was quietly sold. The WNBA is getting more attention, and that could lead to changes in the game, and a Division III baseball team outlasted its own school.

Unrivaled, the women’s basketball league founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, will use a modified court, different formats, and new ways of compensating and accommodating athletes. With each player making at least six figures and holding equity in the league, Unrivaled will boast the highest average salary of any women’s sports league. President Alex Bazzell joins the show to explain the league’s approach, its player-focused facilities, and how it will interact with the WNBA. Plus, Red Bull is buying a minority stake in Leeds United, Formula 1 could triple its entry fee, and the Professional Women’s Hockey League wrapped up its historic first season.

Indiana hosted the most recent NBA All-Star Game and is a regular stop for some of the top college contests, including Big Ten Football championship games and Final Fours. Indiana Sports Corp president Patrick Talty joins the show to discuss how the organization works to bring in big events, what makes a sporting event worthwhile, and why they are hosting Olympic swimming trials in a football stadium. Plus, MLB incorporated stats from the Negro Leagues into its official record, Greenland is making a move on the global soccer stage, and Nebraska gave its volleyball coach a raise for a very specific reason.

Four Bay Area teams have moved are are planning to, with the 49ers and Warriors relocating in the area and the Raiders and A’s going to Las Vegas. Andy Dolich, who was an executive with the A’s, 49ers, Warriors, and other teams, joins the show to examine the fates of each team and explain why going from Oakland to Las Vegas is a downgrade for the A’s. Plus, the NFL schedule could get reconfigured and MLB’s most maligned umpire calls it a career after reaching a settlement with the league.

American youth basketball relies on a talent pipeline funded by sneaker and apparel companies. Filmmaker Mike Nicoll spent years exploring that world for a new documentary, The Spoils. He joins the show to discuss what he learned and the incentives that system creates.

The French Open begins on Sunday in what will be a swan song for Rafael Nadal, who dominated the event like no one before. His exit brings tennis closer to the end of the “Big Three” era, as it looks to kindle fandom in upcoming stars. Catherine Whitaker and David Law, hosts of The Tennis Podcast, join the show to unpack this moment for the sport. Plus, the WNBA is headed north of the border, the Department of Justice could alter the ticketing market, and we may be headed toward the NBA’s first nine-figure annual salary.

Greg Olsen won an Emmy for his work as Fox’s top NFL analyst last season, but now he is being bumped to the second slot by Tom Brady. Olsen joins the show to discuss what his offseason was like, his broadcasting aspirations, and his startup, Youth Inc. Plus, direct revenue sharing with college athletes is on the verge of becoming a reality due to a settlement in the House v. NCAA case. Front Office Sports reporter Amanda Christovich breaks down the massively consequential case.

The Arena Football League is barely holding on a month into its relaunch. Reporter Robert Silverman takes inside the troubled league through discussions with players on the Georgia Force, which recently ceased operations – one of five teams to do so already. Plus, the NFL is moving closer to allowing private equity firms to hold stakes in teams and MLB is tapping former players and softball stars for a new home run derby contest.

The Harlem Globetrotters have been a cultural symbol for generations. As the brand nears its 100th anniversary, it’s taking a hard look at how it can set itself up for another century of sports entertainment. Globetrotters president Keith Dawkins joins the show to talk about the past, present, and future of the iconic team. Plus, the NBA and NHL conference finals are set, and Saudi Arabia pushes further into tennis.

Bare knuckle fighting has long existed as an underground sport. Now, sanctioned fights and more mainstream investors are coming in. Author Stayton Bonner explored that world, gaining trust and access to undisclosed locations and sources connected to organized crime syndicates that funded many fights. He joins the show to peal back the cover. Plus, a deal that more than doubles the earnings of many Las Vegas Aces players is being investigated by the WNBA, Marvin Harrison Jr. is being sued by Fanatics, and someone paid nearly $1 million for the most important napkin soccer history.

The Diamond Sports Group bankruptcy proceedings will have a major impact on the fates of MLB, the NBA, and NHL over the rest of the decade. All three leagues have lawyers present in the courtroom, asking increasingly pointed questions regarding Diamond’s long-term viability. The Athletic’s Evan Drellich takes us inside the court proceedings and what they mean for the future of sports media. Plus, the NFL schedule will be taxing on many teams, but does accommodate the league’s most famous fan, and EA’s College Football 25 marks a new era in NIL.

The PGA Championship marks a rare moment in which LIV golfers and those that stayed with the PGA Tour will be competing side by side. The unity on the course underscores the lack thereof off of it, where negotiators between the Tour and Saudi Arabia have yet to strike a deal. ESPN analyst and golf legend Curtis Strange joins the show to give his take on the situation. Plus, Netflix secured rights to the NFL’s Christmas games, two MLB teams in the NL East could eventually be for sale, and FIFA is moving toward allowing league games overseas.

Paramount is looking for a buyer and now it is weighing very different offers between Sony and Skydance. The choice will radically impact the company’s future. CNBC media reporter Alex Sherman joins the show to detail the choice before Paramount, and delve into the many ways Disney is adapting ESPN to the streaming era. Plus, the Arena Football League lost another team and may be on the verge of collapsing less than a month into its comeback season, and Netflix and Amazon are bidding for the NFL’s Christmas games.