Front Office Sports Today

Latest Episodes:

How Did Adam Sandler Get the Best Pro Golfers into Happy Gilmore 2? | Can the NBA Expand to Europe? Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

The NBA continues to build up its European presence, as the league announced the Grizzlies and Magic will play two regular-season games this upcoming 2026–27 season in Europe, one in Berlin and a second in London. The announcement comes as the league is reportedly exploring its own European league in partnership with FIBA, with London as one of the potential cities to have a team. FOS reporter Alex Schiffer breaks down the league’s international hopes and explains what that infamous photo making the rounds on social media of LeBron James, Maverick Carter, and Nikola Jokić’s agent on a yacht in France could really be about.

Meanwhile, WNBA star Sophie Cunningham continues to be big business, as the Indiana Fever guard launched a podcast called Show Me Something, cohosted by Cunningham and her childhood friend West Wilson of Bravo’s Summer House. FOS’s Tuned In writer Michael McCarthy has the latest on Cunningham’s deal with Colin Cowherd’s The Volume digital media company, plus Tracy McGrady joining his cousin Vince Carter as an analyst for NBC’s upcoming NBA coverage.

And Happy Gilmore 2 is breaking records for Netflix, as the streamer says the film generated 46.7 million views over its first three days, the biggest U.S. opening weekend of all time for a Netflix film, as well as the best for one of Sandler’s movies. FOS contributor Jake Kring-Schreifels spoke to Sandler about how he was able to convince the best golfers in the world, such as Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau, to participate in the film and why other golf shows like Full Swing and Stick have become such a hit with audiences.

Key Moments:

0:39 - Hendrickson ends holdout, Vegas FIFA draw, Marcus Morris SR. arrested

4:36 - Kurt Warner will lead YT NFL broadcast, Sophie Cunningham launches podcast 'Show Me Something', Tracy McGrady joins NBA on NBC Sports

9:50 - NBA plans to play regular season games in Europe, LeBron teams up with Jokic?

17:25 - How did 'Happy Gilmore 2' hook pro golf stars?

21:42 - Toronto Blue Jays acquire Seranthony Dominguez mid doubleheader

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Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

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Shooter Targets NFL HQ | Bryce Harper Tells Rob Manfred to Leave Clubhouse Ahead of CBA Talks Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

A horrifying situation unfolded in New York City as a 27-year-old shooter killed four people at a commercial building in midtown Manhattan, with his main target appearing to be the NFL's headquarters, according to Mayor Eric Adams. FOS reporter Amanda Christovich was on the scene Monday and has the latest on why the alleged gunman, Shane Tamura, targeted the league, and what commissioner Roger Goodell and the league's response has been. Meanwhile, ahead of MLB’s likely contentious labor talks in 2026, commissioner Rob Manfred has been meeting with players to communicate the league’s thoughts around a potential salary cap. However, his recent visit with the Phillies did not go as planned, as star Bryce Harper reportedly hurled expletives at the commissioner and told him to leave the clubhouse. ESPN content producer and Baseball Tonight podcast contributor Paul “Hembo” Hembekides tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington why there is profound worry about a potential labor stoppage. Plus, Luka Dončić gets shredded for the latest issue of Men's Health, the NBA reportedly might be looking to London as its first EuroLeague franchise, and Asset Class newsletter writer Ben Horney has an update on the former security guard suing the Phoenix Suns. Key Moments:

0:39 - LIV Tour $$$ increase, NBA Euro update, NFL contract updates

5:25 - NYC shooting at NFL HQ latest

10:14 - Harper vs. Manfred, Emmanuel Clase on leave

18:13 - Suns fire former head of security who is suing team

22:02 - Luka Doncic is ripped 📈 Don’t miss tomorrow’s top stories in the business and culture of sports — Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontOfficeSports/subscribe

Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

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Tom Brady Talks Birmingham Ownership | Deion Sanders Beats Bladder Cancer Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Move over, Wrexham. Birmingham City is the latest European soccer club to capture the world’s attention. The team is celebrating its 150th anniversary along with its latest promotion to the EFL Championship (the second tier of English soccer), with a little help from minority owner and NFL legend Tom Brady. Brady exclusively tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington why he purchased a stake in the club, what makes him a good owner, as well as the team’s new documentary Built in Birmingham: Brady & the Blues, which streams on Amazon Prime Video on Aug. 1.

Meanwhile, one of the biggest training camp holdouts has finally ended, as Shemar Stewart and the Bengals came to terms on a new deal, making him the last first-round pick to sign with his team. NFL insider Jordan Schultz explains how Stewart’s deal came together. He also has the latest on Terry McLaurin's negotiations with the Commanders.

And after being out of the public eye for some time, Colorado football coach Deion Sanders revealed he was treated for and successfully beat bladder cancer after doctors found a tumor that required surgery. FOS reporter David Rumsey has the latest on when Coach Prime will be able to return to the Buffaloes’ sidelines and why he did not reveal his diagnosis to his sons Shedeur and Shilo until now.

Key Moments:

0:38 - MLB hall of fame inductions, Messi "upset," historic NASCAR final at Indy

5:12 - NFL training camp holdouts with Jordan Schultz

9:49 - Tom Brady on FOS Today

17:29 - Deion Sanders beats bladder cancer

21:30 - Nikola Jokic celebrates horse racing win

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Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump's Exec Order: College Athletes Aren't Employees | Bill Belichick Ready For UNC Expectations? Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to mitigate the "unprecedented threat" to college athletics and prevent athletes from being considered professionals. FOS college sports reporter Amanda Christovich explains the order and how it impacts the ongoing contention between NIL collaborators, the NCAA, and the federal government around the employment status of college athletes.

Plus, Bill Belichick addressed a huge media crowd at ACC Kickoff to explain his vision for the UNC Tar Heels, and why the current college landscape is "not that different from the NFL". FOS newsletter writer David Rumsey was at the event and joins Renee Washington and Baker Machado to break it all down, including some chatter that UNC could eventually look to join the SEC behind their $10M dollar coach.

Also, we hear about FIFA's efforts to attract a younger audience through video games including Roblox, Caitlin Clark's rookie card sells for a record amount, and Christian Wilkins is in a complicated situation with the NFLPA after having $35M voided by the Raiders.

Key Moments:

0:39 - Wilkins NFLPA grievance, Caitlin Clark injury update, Skydance/CBS merger

5:34 - Trump signs executive order stating "college athletes are not employees"

9:52 - Bill Belichick speaks at ACC Kickoff, takeaways from ACC media days

17:29 - FIFA strikes a deal with Roblox

21:29 - Caitlin Clark's rookie card sells for $660K

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Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Johnson on Grand Slam Track’s Future | No ‘Seismic’ MLS Schedule Changes, Yet Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

It’s been a challenging first year for Grand Slam Track, as the start-up league canceled its final slam event in June and reportedly still owes millions to its athletes. Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and former U.S. Olympian, exclusively told FOS Today the reason for the financial struggles—a key investor backed out—and discussed its future. Read the full exclusive here on FOS.

Meanwhile, on the heels of a Lionel Messi–less MLS All-Star Game, commissioner Don Garber met with team governors in Austin and says the league is still working on a potential “seismic” schedule change that would align MLS with the rest of the global soccer calendar, playing from fall to spring. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher explains why a future schedule change might not happen until 2027, plus he combs through data on how many fans are watching the games on Apple TV+.

And Big Ten media days wrap in Las Vegas, and FOS reporter Amanda Christovich tells Baker Machado and Dan Roberts about her conversation with commissioner Tony Petitti about the potential for private equity to flow into the conference.

Key Moments:

0:37 - Hulk Hogan dies at 71, NFL record financials, NBC's new sports channel

4:22 - MLS commissioner Don Garber on potential "seismic" schedule change, viewership on Apple TV

9:48 - Grand Slam Track Founder Michael Johnson

17:45 - BIG 10 media days recap

21:03 - Sophie Cunningham fined for TikTok post

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Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ESPN Acquiring NFL Redzone? | The Predictions Market Arms Race Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

NFL owners prepare for a vote next month that could result in ESPN and the Walt Disney Co. acquiring NFL media properties, including RedZone and NFL Network. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher joins Baker Machado and Dan Roberts to explain the story behind this potential acquisition and how it could create new opportunities and issues alike.

Plus, the controversial Polymarket—which allows users to bet on real-world events—is set to become legal in the United States. FOS reporter Ryan Glasspiegel explains the prediction markets’ brewing arms race and where large sportsbook operators like FanDuel and DraftKings could factor in.

Also, Qatar's bid to become the first Middle Eastern nation to host the Olympics, ACC commissioner Jim Phillips speaks, and ESPN will host 30 new sports, including soap Hockey and T-Rex racing.

Key Moments:

0:38 - Hendrickson holds out, BIG 12 rejects Memphis, Richard Jefferson to stay w/ ESPN

4:17 - Latest NFL Media/Disney deal, will NFL acquire equity stake in ESPN?

9:47 - Polymarket set to be legal in U.S., Qatar bids to host 2036 Olympics

17:18 - ACC media days in Charlotte

21:00 - ESPN 8: The Ocho returns

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Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Trump Force Commanders Name Change? | CBA Talks Cloud WNBA All-Star Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

President Donald Trump posted Sunday that he would “put a restriction” on the Commanders and their proposed $3.8 billion stadium deal if they don’t revert to their prior name that was dropped in 2020 for its racial insensitivities. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher explains whether this is enforceable by the president and where Commanders owner Josh Harris goes from here as the stadium deal looms.

Plus, WNBA All-Star weekend sees great success even without Caitlin Clark—but player statements around labor talks and the CBA stole the show for the W's coming-out party, says FOS reporter Colin Salao, who was on-site for the festivities.

Also, is Scottie Scheffler the most dominant athlete in the world right now after his Open Championship win? David Rumsey joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to weigh in.

Key Moments:

0:39 - Unrivaled signs 14 new players, NFLPA latest, Burrow's burglary

5:20 - Trump threatens Washington Commanders over name

9:48 - WNBA All-Star weekend recap, Sabrina Ionescu speaks out on "players need rest," CBA talks intensify

17:25 - Scottie Scheffler wins his fourth major title at The Open

21:06 - Pittsburgh Pirates draw highest attendance on Mac Miller bobblehead night/ Chris Paul signs with Clippers

📈 Don’t miss tomorrow’s top stories in the business and culture of sports — Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontOfficeSports/subscribe

Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NFLPA Leader Resigns Amid Scandals | Inside Indy's All-Star Preparation Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell resigned after the union reportedly worked with the NFL to bury claims of attempted collusion on guaranteed contracts. FOS senior news editor Dennis Young joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain the laundry list of Howell's transgressions and where the union goes from here to find a new leader.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on Indianapolis as the city welcomes the WNBA All-Star Game just one year after hosting the event for the NBA, but hometown hero Caitlin Clark will not be participating in the festivities. Joey Graziano of Pacers Sports & Entertainment and Janina Lundy of Kevin Hart’s production company Hartbeat explain the economic impact on the city and highlight the creation of other events around town, such as the inaugural comedy and music party Fever Fest.

Plus, FOS multimedia reporter Derryl Barnes checks in from Indy as WNBA CBA negotiations are met with frustration, and Unrivaled comments on its relationship with the W.

Key Moments:

0:35 - Damian Lillard returns home, WNBA CBA talks, TJ Watt gets paid

4:25 - NFLPA Chief Lloyd Howell resigns amid scandal

9:37 - Clark out for All-Star, Indy preps event, "Fever Fest"

17:00 - WNBA All-Star check in, Unrivaled vs. WNBA, latest CBA talks

21:14 - Belichick docuseries heads to Hulu

📈 Don’t miss tomorrow’s top stories in the business and culture of sports — Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontOfficeSports/subscribe

Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caitlin Clark's All-Star Absence | Bradley Beal’s Rep on Buyout and Clippers Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

A huge loss ahead of the WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis as hometown hero Caitlin Clark announced she will not take part in the game and the three-point contest as she recovers from a groin injury that has sidelined her for an extended period this season. FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile is on the ground in Indy with instant reaction to Clark’s absence and how this could affect the hype surrounding the big event. Plus, three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal has agreed to a contract buyout with the Suns and plans to join the Clippers on a two-year deal. Mark Bartelstein, Beal’s representative who brokered the exit from the Suns, explains how this $96.9 million buyout materialized and Beal's long-term goal to stay in Los Angeles. And just days after canceling much of their programming, FS1 has signed an agreement with Barstool Sports that includes licensing content and Dave Portnoy appearing on its Big Noon Kickoff. FOS media and entertainment reporter Ryan Glasspiegel broke the news and joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to weigh in on the partnership and whether Portnoy can be Fox’s version of Pat McAfee.

Key Moments:

0:37 - MLB All-Star Ratings, women's soccer record transfer, NFL free agency

4:14 - Caitlin Clark out for WNBA All-Star

9:50 - Bradley Beal's big buyout; heading to LA, CBA killing free agency?

17:26 - Barstool and FS1 strike deal

21:59 - ESPY awards wrap-up 📈 Don’t miss tomorrow’s top stories in the business and culture of sports — Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontOfficeSports/subscribe Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

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MLB's Swing-Off an All-Star Home Run? | Adam Silver Talks Expansion, Dynasties, New CBA Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

MLB's All-Star Week ended with an exhilarating home-run swing-off tiebreaker, solidifying baseball's top spot among the major sports' all-star events. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to discuss the latest Rob Manfred–era implementation and how it affects his legacy as MLB commissioner, alongside other big changes like the pitch clock and "robo umps."

Plus, NBA commissioner Adam Silver delivered a press conference Tuesday addressing league expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas, the new CBA "killing free agency," and league parity. FOS reporter Alex Schiffer breaks down Silver’s comments and weighs in on the possible relocation of the Trail Blazers.

Also, we hear from FOS newsletter writer David Rumsey live from SEC media days in Atlanta on College Football Playoff expansion, Nick Saban's potential return to coaching, and expectations for the Texas Longhorns and Arch Manning as he prepares for his first season as a starter.

Key Moments:

0:39 - Caitlin Clark injury, historic NFL contracts, Belichick vs. Kraft

4:50 - MLB All-Star swing off, Manfred's success, robo umps worked

9:52 - Adam Silver on NBA expansion, Blazers ownership, CBA killing Free Agency?

17:41 - SEC Media Days takeaways, Netflix to produce SEC docu-series, Saban to return to coaching?

21:38 - Xander Schaufelle lost his gold medal

📈 Don’t miss tomorrow’s top stories in the business and culture of sports — Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontOfficeSports/subscribe

Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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