Front Office Sports Today

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.

The WNBA begins its 2024 season with the unprecedented draw that is Caitlin Clark. The league recently committed to charter flights for all team travel and more changes could be coming. With a new media rights deal and looming CBA negotiations, the WNBA could be entering a major period of change. The Athletic’s Ben Pickman joins the show to break it all down. Plus, Great Osobor is receiving a reported $2 million in NIL deals to transfer to Washington and the NBA Draft order is set.

Tom Brady joins the show to explain why he bought in on an E1 team, a new electric boat racing series that competes in picturesque locations around Europe and the rest of the world. Team Brady, victorious in its first two races, adds to Brady’s team ownership collection, which includes a pickleball team, a minority stake in British soccer team Birmingham City, and could soon include a slice of the Las Vegas Raiders. Plus, golf is in world of uncertainty headed into the PGA Championship, Shannon Sharpe and ESPN are reportedly approaching a long-term deal, and Brad Pitt’s Formula 1 movie could be one of the most expensive films ever.

The Oakland A’s remain on the hunt for funding to build their Las Vegas stadium, but that, and many of the basic details of their plans remain elusive. Former Marlins president David Samson joins the show to explain what needs to happen for the A’s to actually get to Las Vegas and why they have made very little progress. Plus, the Rays are looking for a stadium deal of their own, the Indiana Fever have almost as many broadcasters as regular season games, and we examine the various options for the Utah hockey team’s new name.

Caitlin Clark has lived in the national spotlight for months, but now Omaha Productions is looking to tell a different side of the transcendent star. The Peyton Manning-founded production company is releasing a docuseries focused on Clark, Kamilla Cardoso and Kiki Rice on ABC this weekend, modeled after their Quarterback series on Netflix. Omaha head of production Therese Andrews joins the show to discuss the series and Omaha’s approach to sports programming. Plus, the WNBA is finally getting charter flights and MLB amateur talent hub is receiving attention over claims that it is exploiting the earning power of its players.

The NBA has been on TNT since 1989, but NBC could be boxing out the cable network in the next set of media deals. Should that happen, Charles Barkley could become the most sought-after media free agent in a generation. Front Office Sports’ Tuned-In columnist Mike McCarthy provides the latest on the high-stakes negotiations. Plus, upfront meetings are providing a look at the growing value of sports in the media world, the Miami GP was a big win for Formula 1, and Flavor Flav graces the show for an interview unlike any we’ve ever had.

Marvin Harrison Jr. has not signed the NFLPA’s group licensing agreement, and is instead pursuing individual sponsorship and licensing deals with companies. This is not the first time the wide receiver has done things a little differently: He also passed on the NFL Combine and Pro Day, choosing to prepare for the season instead. Other players could follow in his footsteps, as they seek more empowerment. ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss joins the show to discuss how Harrison Jr. is creating new precedents. Plus, Tom Brady got roasted, and the Kentucky Derby celebrated high viewership numbers and a new media deal.

Phil Simms was a CBS football analyst for 26 years, but recently learned that his contract won’t be renewed. He joins the show with his son Matt to discuss the changing face of NFL media, why he expected his exit was coming, and why the Atlanta Falcons made the perplexing move to acquire two starting quarterbacks. Plus, the Kentucky Derby broke betting records, there is turmoil at Red Bull despite its on-track dominance, and Ipswich Town and Leicester City are returning to the Premier League.

Red Bull has carved out a unique place in the sports world as a beverage business that has a growing presence in the sports world. The company has become the dominant force in Formula One, as this weekend's Miami Grand Prix will again reveal, and also owns five soccer teams around the globe. Red Bull commercial director Nick Stocker joins the show to discuss how the team has parlayed wins on the grid into profits off of it. Plus, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office called the Chicago Bears’ initial ask for public funds a “non-starter” and the Seattle Mariners added to their ownership group.

The Kentucky Derby will become the rare event that has run annually for 150 years with Saturday’s race. Churchill Downs underwent a $200 million renovation prior to the event, which leans into its history as much as anything in sports. FanDuel TV anchor Todd Schrupp joins the show to discuss the significance of this race, recent issues in horse safety, and the controversial figure of Bob Baffert. Plus, an NFL team owner turned down a $10 billion offer and Fox plans to seek record prices for ad space during the Super Bowl LIX broadcast.

The NBA is nearing a massive media rights deal, as a dramatic playoffs featuring a new cast of characters unfolds. The New Yorker’s Louisa Thomas joins the show to discuss how these playoffs represent a changing of the guard and the enigmatic figure of Jimmy Butler. Plus, the Premier League could implement a spending cap and LeBron James is leaving his options open with his son, Bronny, entering the NBA Draft.

The Florida Panthers are chasing a Stanley Cup while still feeling the reverberations of last year’s run to the finals. Team president and CEO Matt Caldwell joins the show to discuss how the Panthers’ success boosted the franchise in the short and long-term. Plus, MLB is fixing its uniforms – eventually, and Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are buying into a Liga MX team that already has numerous celebrity owners.

The MLB season has been dominated by headlines of star pitchers going down with significant injuries. Is this a particularly rough year or simply the new reality for MLB? The Score’s Travis Sawchik joins the show to delve into his research on pitchers, the state of MLB labor relations, and plenty more. Plus, the NFL Draft set a new attendance record, Roger Goodell pitched an 18-game season, and the newly relaunched Arena Football League is already in serious trouble.

The NHL is entering the playoffs coming off the best-attended regular season in its history. That will only further stoke the league’s desire to expand to new markets, with the Phoenix area remaining the NHL’s top priority. ESPN’s Emily Kaplan joins the show to discuss how these playoffs are a dream come true for NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, where the league could expand next, and why Ryan Smith’s “energy” is just what the NHL needs. Plus, NFL draftees could see record salaries, the league is expanding its international efforts in Australia, and Utah is set to claim the 2034 Winter Olympics.

The NFL Draft begins today with the forecast calling for surprises and trades. ESPN’s NFL Draft Analyst Matt Miller joins the show with a look at how the Cardinals, Commanders, Patriots, and other teams with top picks might leverage their position for long-term future gains. Plus, Reggie Bush got his Heisman Trophy back 14 years later, Tiger Woods is set to receive $100 million in equity for staying loyal to the PGA Tour, and the Bears are expected to ask for $2.3 billion in public funds for a new domed stadium.

Austin Ekeler’s free agent market developed over the course of a few hours. He joins the show to take us inside that chaotic day and offer his thoughts on the NFL’s new rules, where he would like to see the league expand, what he expects from his new team, the Washington Commanders, and his athlete fan connection platform, Eksperience. Plus, Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore are entering mediation over their attempted purchase of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, the Kansas City Current are building a new neighborhood around their stadium, and the Utah NHL team name will be decided by a fan vote.

Randy Johnson spent a career staring down the best hitters in the world. Now he stares down wildebeests. The Hall of Fame pitcher joins the show to discuss how baseball has changed and his second life as a photographer. He’s also part of a campaign to make bird homes, after the famous incident in which one of his pitches collided with a mourning dove during a game. Plus, the NBA is now free to negotiate with any company on its next media rights deals and a major Olympics controversy pits the U.S. against China.

The New York Knicks were looking to take their franchise into a new era by signing free agent LeBron James in 2010. To seal the deal, they put together an elaborate, celebrity-filled recruitment video, exclusively for LeBron and his agent. That video has now surfaced 14 years later due to the work of Pablo Torre. Torre joins the show to discuss what compelled him to search for the video, what it reveals about the Knicks' front office, and how the team has changed since then. Plus, private equity firms are preparing to invest in the NFL, David Beckham is suing Mark Wahlberg’s fitness company, and the people of Utah are buying in on their hockey team before it even has a name.

The NFL Draft is a swarm of moving parts, with trades and surprises a regular part of the action. The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport anticipates that this year could bring loads of drama, with everything past the first pick in flux. He also discusses the NFL’s new rules and Deion Sanders’ claim that teams leak negative stories about players they are interested in. Plus, a settlement was reached with the Justice Department in the Larry Nassar case, the clubhouse attendees of the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks had their lives changed by the teams’ trips to the World Series, and Caitlin Clark is inspiring at least one WNBA team to shift venues when she comes to town.

Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins has a second favorite sport: cornhole. He's competing, along with 7 other NFL players, in a big event being broadcast from New Orleans by ESPN this weekend. Dawkins joins the show to discuss his love of the sport, where he sees it going (hint: the Olympics), and why he thinks the bags are "like therapy." Plus, Caitlin Clark broke more records at the WNBA Draft, Travis Kelce has a thriving media career, and the NBA banned Jontay Porter for life.

With team valuations on the rise and the World Cup on the way, optimism is soaring on soccer’s future in the U.S. Former USMNT player and Golazo Network analyst Charlie Davies joins the show to discuss the American appetite for soccer, and whether MLS might one day buy the USL and introduce a promotion/relegation system. Plus, we delve deeper into the Arizona Coyotes’ move to Utah and whether hockey could return to Phoenix down the road, the NBA delivers a banner year ahead of its media rights deals and eventual expansion, and new details emerge on the betting habits of under-investigation NBA player Jontay Porter. (00:00) Arizona Coyotes Leave for Utah (05:28) NBA's Banner Year (07:47) Charlie Davies on the Appetite for American Soccer

The WNBA enters a new era with Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink set to join the league. The WNBA will seek to build on the popularity of the most successful women’s college player in history, with expansion and a new media rights deal looming. Plus, the Arizona Coyotes are likely heading to Utah, the NBA play-in tournament starts tonight, and we hear from someone tasked with looking after the Stanley Cup as it travels the globe, from the NHL finals to local bars and far beyond. (00:00) Inside the 2024 WNBA Draft (05:05) The Arizona Coyotes Relocate to Utah (07:46) Keeping Up with the Stanley Cup

Philadelphia Eagles stars DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy have stayed busy in retirement. The two have a podcast together, The 25-10 Show, and separate real estate dealings. They join to show to discuss their post-playing careers and their thoughts on today’s NFL. Plus, the Masters concluded against a backdrop of a fractured golf world, and Wrexham F.C. added another chapter to its remarkable story with its second consecutive promotion.

Two years ago, Jake Knapp was working as a bouncer in night club. Now he’s competing in his first Masters after winning the Mexican Open and securing $1.5 million in prize money. He joins the podcast to talk about his improbable journey. Plus, the WNBA is gearing up for a hugely anticipated draft, Ippei Mizuhara is charged with stealing over $16 million from Shohei Ohtani, and NBC has sold $1.2 billion in Olympics ads.

Deion Sanders believes that NFL teams leak negative stories about players they are interested in drafting to tank their draft stock. Coach Prime joins the show to discuss the draft, the transfer portal, NIL, and the state of college football. Plus, the Olympics are finally giving out prize money, new details have come out about John Calipari’s contract with Arkansas, and the WNBA is putting nearly every Caitlin Clark game on national TV. (00:00) Tuned In on Caitlin Clark in WNBA (05:08) The Olympics Prize Money (07:27) Deion Sanders on the State of Football

The Masters will bring together golfers from LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, as a deal to define the future of the sport is still in negotiations. Dustin Johnson joins the show to discuss how playing for LIV has changed his lifestyle, how he’s preparing for the Masters, and what future golf competitions could look like. Plus, the founder of an Oakland fan group discusses how they are aiding efforts to block the team’s funding in Nevada, and why that could be the first of many such initiatives. Also, the WNBA is already feeling the Caitlin Clark effect and Dude Perfect secures over $100 million.

Media focused on collectibles has often centered around breaking open card packs and other hype-focused events. A new entry, Cllct, founded by Darren Rovell, takes a different, more journalistic approach. Rovell joins the show to discuss why he started the publication and the state of the collectibles market in the wake of the pandemic boom. Plus, the trendy new thing in Brooklyn is owning a soccer team, and we look back at the record-setting Final Four.

The NIL era has changed what it means to be a March Madness Cinderella team, especially for those teams’ star players. Oakland’s Jack Gohlke joins the show to discuss how his team’s improbable upset of Kentucky has changed life for him. Plus, former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner has a new role with the Miami Grand Prix. He describes how Formula 1 is working to build on its initial hype in the U.S. to create a lasting presence in the country.

Not long ago, NC State looked to be NIT-bound at best. Now the Wolfpack are in the Final Four, and their star big man, DJ Burns, has been cooking on and off the court, making deals with Adidas, CVS, and TurboTax, among others. We take a look at the often-chaotic world of March Madness deal-making, while peeking ahead at what will likely be record audience numbers for the women’s Final Four, despite NCAA management disasters. Plus, it’s another big weekend for NASCAR races. Driver and broadcaster Parker Kligerman joins the show to discuss the sport’s new $7 billion media-rights deal, its place in U.S. culture, and why Amazon is now part of NASCAR’s broadcasting pit crew.

The people have spoken—with their remotes. Iowa’s Elite Eight win over LSU in the women’s college basketball tournament captured 12.3 million viewers for ESPN, the most for a women’s game broadcast in the U.S. We dig into what those numbers could do for future broadcasts of the sport—starting with this weekend’s final—and why ‘Sunday Night Baseball’ may not stay long in its time slot. Plus, skateboarding will be back at the Olympics in Paris this summer. The CEO of Thrill One Sports & Entertainment, Matt Cohn, shares how the company's Street League Skateboarding works to maintain the sport's renegade spirit while the biggest stars are collaborating with global brands. (00:00) Tuned In on the Final Four (07:46) Thrill One CEO Matt Cohn Joins FOS Today (14:01) How Skateboarders are Building Their Brand

Former ‘SportsCenter’ anchors Trey Wingo and Kevin Frazier recently launched a new show that asks the big ‘what if’ questions from sports history. Billed as a ‘leap into the multiverse,’ their podcast ‘Alternate Routes’ is the latest example of talent leaping from legacy media brands into the great unknown of the always-on, streaming future. Wingo and Frazier join the show to tell us why now was the right time to make the move. Plus, through its Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia has presented a $2 billion proposal to unite the ATP and WTA. We asked women’s world No. 5 player Jessica Pegula whether this is a good idea.

NWSL star Midge Purce and Alexis Ohanian, cofounder of Reddit and founding owner of Angel City FC, are producing The Offseason, a series in production that’s part docuseries, part reality show. They join the pod to discuss how they’re breaking a sports-media mold and why the future of sports is female. Plus, the A’s could be staying in Oakland—at least for a few years. We dig into the latest plot twists in the ongoing drama. (00:00) Are the A's Staying Oakland? (06:31) Alexis Ohanian and Midge Purce on The Offseason (19:25) All Star Investors in the NWSL (24:35) Ohanian's Favorite Serena Williams Highlight

The Wizards and Capitals owner joins the show to discuss what happened with his planned $2 billion development in Alexandria, and why he's optimistic about retrenching and redesigning in D.C. Leonsis also talks about his big plans for Capital One Arena, how he hopes to survive RSN disruption, and MLB aspirations. Plus, one Final Four is set and another will be by the end of today. We take stock of the state of women's and men's college hoops. (00:00) The State of College Basketball w/ Amanda Christovich (08:48) Ted Leonsis Joins FOS Today (16:37) Renovating Capital One Arena (23:17) Navigating the RSN Landscape and the Future of MLB

The Utah Jazz are pioneering a broadcasting arrangement with no local cable provider. Team president Jim Olson joins the show to discuss why the team made the move and how it’s going. Plus, the sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx has been called off after Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore failed to meet a payment deadline, according to team owner Glen Taylor. A-Rod and Lore dispute Taylor’s claims, and believe they are still entitled to buy the team under the terms agreed to three years ago. We break down the drama behind one of the NBA’s top teams.

MLB opening day is here. It is also David Rubenstein’s first full day as Orioles’ owner, and the Washington Post’s Chelsea Janes expects he will alter the futures of the O’s and the Washington Nationals, with whom the Orioles are locked in a years-long legal dispute. Janes also provides her perspective on the turmoil at the MLBPA, the Shohei Ohtani scandal, and who will win the World Series. Plus, March Madness is breaking viewership records and more are likely to fall, NCAA president Charlie Baker wants to ban prop bets on college athletes, and the Marlins are offering all-you-can-eat snacks.

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to float the possibility that they could leave the area if a vote for public money on April 2 doesn’t go their way. The defending Super Bowl champions are seeking funds for a major renovation of Arrowhead Stadium while the Kansas City Royals would get money for a new downtown stadium from the same vote. Plus, the MLS referee lockout is over and we delve further into the statements made by Shohei Ohtani, his relationship to his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, and what the whole saga will mean for MLB with LA Times writer Mike DiGiovanna, who has covered Ohtani since the start of his MLB career. (00:00) Could Chiefs Leave Kansas City? (07:30) MLS Refs Return (10:28) Mike DiGiovanna on Shohei’s Legacy

Shohei Ohtani read a prepared statement addressing the scandal that has captured the baseball world’s attention just before opening day. The Dodgers star alleged that his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara stole millions of dollars from Ohtani and then lied about it, in some cases using his role as interpreter to control the information going to and from Ohtani. Crisis management expert Mike Paul joins the show to discuss how Ohtani and his representatives handled the situation, and in what ways it could have been prevented. Plus, the NFL owners are making changes to the game on and off the field, the Orioles have a new owner coming in just before their first game of the season, and spring football gets another chance to shine. (00:00) NFL Owners' Meeting (06:34) The Orioles' New Ownership (9:08) Grading Shohei Ohtani's Statement

Dartmouth athletes are fighting to unionize, but Blake Lawrence, CEO of Opendorse, feels that schools and conferences may be the ultimate benefactors of collective bargaining efforts. He joins the show to give his perspective on that topic, plus how NIL has impacted the earning potential for student athletes during March Madness. Plus, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey threatens to sue the Washington Post, March Madness posts its best viewership numbers in years, and we look into the murky past of Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.

Clemson joined a lawsuit by Florida State challenging the ACC’s fees and procedures for leaving the conference. Should those two schools depart, others may look to follow as college football media contracts continue to reshape the conference landscape. Plus, soccer legend Sam Mewis joins the show to talk about her new role leading the women’s soccer coverage at Men In Blazers, and we sort through the spiraling betting scandal surrounding Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.

The tremendous hype around Caitlin Clark has brought enormous attention to the Iowa basketball team. Iowa athletic director Beth Goetz joins the show to discuss what that’s meant for the program and its athletes, as they try to stay focused on the team and their classes. Plus, the WNBA is looking to turn its growing popularity into a substantial bump in its media rights, ESPN and the CFP link up on a new media rights deal, and NBC's Paris Olympics are getting their own RedZone.

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has a new production company with aspirations beyond the athlete stories one expects to see from similar ventures. After releasing a documentary about Giannis himself, the company is working on a heist movie set in Greece and a cooking show, among other projects. The CEO of the company, Improbable Media, joins the pod to talk about the vision for Improbable Media and why more and more sports media is athlete-driven. Plus, there is unrest at the MLBPA, Shohei Ohtani now has his own logo, and a new NIL deal offers every woman in March Madness $500.