Front Office Sports Today

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Who Could Replace Joy Taylor at FS1? | Tampa Bay Rays Sold for $1.7B Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

Big changes are happening at FS1, as the network canceled three of its five daily shows including Breakfast Ball, The Facility, and Speak, hosted by Joy Taylor, Paul Pierce, and Keyshawn Johnson. FOS media reporter and Tuned In writer Michael McCarthy explains why the network pulled the plug on the shows, whether its cancellations have anything to do with departing executive Charlie Dixon, and which big names are being looked at to possibly join the network.

Meanwhile, baseball’s current home run leader, Cal Raleigh, became the first switch-hitter and catcher to win the Home Run Derby, taking home the $1 million prize and furthering what has already been a historic season for the Mariner. Baseball writer Hannah Keyser talks about why the “Big Dumper” has been such a hit, as well as the future of the Rays as current owner Stu Sternberg has agreed to sell the team for $1.7 billion.

And a bipartisan bill to regulate college sports called the SCORE Act was introduced in the House that would offer limited antitrust protection for the NCAA and would bar schools from using student fees to pay for college athletic programs. While fans say the legislation is needed to protect schools and athletes in the current college athletic environment, players’ unions for the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB are all against it, with one U.S. senator calling the SCORE Act “the National Championship of all heists.” Adam Breneman, host of the Front Office Sports podcast Next Up, breaks down the proposed legislation.

Key Moments:

0:43 - Portland Fire return, Garrett Wilson payday, Serrano & Taylor ratings

5:02 - Fox Sports 1 mass cancellations; Joy Taylor out

9:58 - Cal Raleigh wins the HR Derby; Rays sold for $1.7B

17:36 - Adam Breneman discusses how the 'Score Act' could change NIL

22:30 - NFL's new "tantrum proof" Sony headsets

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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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Sinner/Alcaraz Rivalry Intensifies | Was the FIFA Club World Cup a Success? Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

The hottest rivalry in tennis continues to be one for the ages after Jannik Sinner finally defeated his archrival Carlos Alcaraz to win his first Wimbledon title and fourth Grand Slam, just a month after the duo gave us the longest French Open final ever. Tennis writer Giri Nathan, whose new book Changeover: A Young Rivalry and a New Era of Men's Tennis chronicles the rise of Alcaraz and Sinner, tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington what makes this rivalry so special and opines about the likelihood of another Grand Slam final between the two ahead of next month's US Open.

Meanwhile, Chelsea defeated Euro champ Paris Saint-Germain in front of 80,000 fans and President Donald Trump at Met Life Stadium to win the FIFA Club World Cup final and its $40 million first-place prize. Despite some early setbacks and some stadiums seeing sparse fan attendance, Zach Lowy, soccer writer and chief editor of “Breaking the Lines,” says the Club World Cup should still be considered a success ahead of North America preparing for the larger men’s World Cup next year.

And we’re more than halfway through the 2025 MLB season with all eyes on All-Star week in Atlanta. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher joins from Truist Park ahead of the Home Run Derby and breaks down why the Nationals shocked experts by choosing high school star Eli Willits with the No. 1 pick in the MLB draft.

Key Moments:

0:37 - Dame to Boston?, NLPA backs Lloyd Howell, Aliyah Boston NWSL investment

4:08 - Chelsea wins FIFA Club World Cup

9:51 - MLB Draft & Home Run Derby

17:11 - Sinner/Alcaraz rivalry continues

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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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Gareth Bale’s Offer to Buy Cardiff City | Taylor-Serrano Historic Boxing Match | Cooper Flagg’s Debut Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

Soccer superstar Gareth Bale and his investment group have been in talks to buy League One club Cardiff City FC. The Welsh all-time leader in international caps and goals, also weighs in on the FIFA Club World Cup, 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup, Premier League, MLS as a retirement league, and other soccer topics from around the big slate of tournaments.

Plus, two of the biggest names in boxing, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, take the ring at Madison Square Garden in the final chapter of their trilogy to headline the first all-women card in the Garden. Instead of the usual pay-per-view paywall broadcasting the historic event, Taylor-Serrano streams live on Netflix on Friday. Led by Jake Paul, the promoters of the fight organized this sold-out event to positively change the future of boxing, especially around increasing higher purses, opportunities for boxers, and media rights that provide easier access.

Also, with FOS reporter Alex Schiffer covering the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Alex joins Renee Washington and guest cohost Curran Bhatia to recap the sold-out Lakers-Mavericks game Thursday night featuring 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and Bronny James. We also continue to get NBA offseason moves such as Jalen Williams’s recent max contract extension with the reigning-champion Thunder. OKC has now locked in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Williams with extensions that, combined, total up to $822 million.

Meanwhile, two-time MVP and NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo joined IShowSpeed on the famous YouTuber’s livestream and shared that he will “probably” stay in Milwaukee.

Key Moments:

1:00 - Giannis “probably” stays in Milwaukee

4:17 - Taylor-Serrano Historic Boxing Match

9:52 - Gareth Bale on Cardiff City FC, FIFA Club World Cup, and

17:51 - Cooper Flagg vs. Bronny James at NBA Summer League

21:56 - Air Jordan on Airbnb

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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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MLB’s 'Robo Ump' to debut at All-Star Game | When will Jeanie Buss leave the Lakers? Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

Major League Baseball’s Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system that's been tested in the minor leagues and spring training is ready to make its big league debut at the All-Star game next Tuesday in Atlanta. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher explains how the technology will be used to challenge ball-strike calls and why some pitchers are on the fence about its presence. Plus MLBPA union leaders say commissioner Rob Manfred is pushing for a salary cap in his meetings with players ahead of what will be intense talks before their current labor deal expires in December 2026.

Meanwhile the biggest question looming over the Lakers' record sale at a $10 billion valuation to Dodgers owner Mark Walter is how much longer current team governor Jeanie Buss will remain with the organization. While it was stated she would stay with the team “for the foreseeable future,” FOS 'Asset Class' writer Ben Horney is hearing she could leave within the next five years.

And commissioner Brett Yormark is attempting to make the Big 12 “a global conference,” with a college football game this season in Dublin, a women's basketball game in Paris and baseball games in 2026 in Mexico City. FOS reporter David Rumsey tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington the Big 12 is looking to find the same success other leagues like the NFL and NBA have had in taking their products abroad and dishes why college coaches like Deion Sanders are calling for a salary cap.

Key Moments:

0:34 - Devin Booker's $145 Million Extension

4:50 - MLB: All Star Game Robo Umps and Manfred's Salary Cap Comments

9:46 - College Football Playoffs and Big 12 International Expansion

17:21 - Jeanie Buss' Lakers Tenure

21:10 - EA Sports College Football 26

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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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Apple to Bid for ‘F1’ U.S. Broadcast Rights | OKC Pays $535M to Keep Championship Core Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

Fresh off its box office success of the film F1, Apple is reportedly in talks to acquire U.S. broadcast rights for Formula One racing when they become available next year after ESPN's exclusive window to negotiate a new contract will expire. FOS’s“Tuned In” writer Michael McCarthy explains how much the tech giant might pay for the racing rights and why F1 would fit seamlessly into Apple’s growing collection of sports, including MLB and MLS. Plus, a big shake-up at Red Bull as team president Christian Horner was fired after 20 years. Tech and F1 commentator Toni Cowan-Brown talks about the seismic news of the exit and the uncertain future of driver Max Verstappen.

Meanwhile, fresh off their first NBA title, the Thunder are spending $535 million to keep their championship core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren together, but not at a discount. FOS reporter Alex Schiffer breaks down the deals and whether OKC will be able to re-sign its other star Jalen Williams, and why Nikola Jokić decided against signing a new max deal with the Nuggets this summer.

And the presumed No. 1 pick in next year’s NHL draft, 17-year-old Gavin McKenna, is going to Penn State on what is believed to be the biggest NIL (name, image, and likeness) deal in college hockey history. FOS editorial director of features Meredith Turits discusses what McKenna's decision to leave the CHL to play in college this season might signal for the future of hockey.

Key Moments:

0:36 - WNBA All-Star rosters, Angel Reese's first signature sneaker with Reebok, HBCU hockey

4:43 - Holmgren signs max contract extension with OKC, Jokic not re-signing until next year

9:44 - Horner fired by F1's Red Bull team, Apple in the talks to acquire F1 media rights, ESPN talent on GMA

17:25 - Presumed NHL #1 prospect Gavin McKenna to play at PSU

21:39 - DeAndre Ayton says Luka Doncic is ripped

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Could Daily Fantasy Sports Be Illegal in California? | Latest on the WNBA/CBA Talks Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

As one of 10 states where sports gambling is still not legal, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a recent legal filing that draft and pick’em-style daily fantasy games could be considered sports betting and therefore illegal in the state. While companies like DraftKings that have operated in the state for 13 years say fantasy contests involve skill and should not be considered gambling, FOS deals reporter Ben Horney tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington the legal aspects of the filing and whether players in the Golden State will still be able to play daily fantasy games.

Meanwhile, the WNBA and its players are less than four months away from the Oct. 31 expiration of their current CBA, and the two sides remain far apart. The players firmly rejected the league’s first counterproposal a few weeks ago, with some calling it “a slap in the face.” FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile spoke with union president Nneka Ogwumike and has the latest on the tense negotiations.

And don’t look now, but the Magic could be a real threat in the NBA’s Eastern Conference for years to come after signing star Paolo Banchero to a reported five-year, $239 million max rookie contract extension, locking up their core of Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and newly acquired Desmond Bane through the 2028–29 season. Plus, Pacers president Kevin Pritchard admits he was "shocked" like the rest of us when he read star Myles Turner would be leaving the team for the Bucks on Shams Charania’s social media.

Key Moments:

0:37 - Cousins "misled" by Falcons, MLB agent under investigation, Bonner signs with Mercury

4:43 - Banchero signs new contract with Magic, Haliburton out for season, Pacers President "surprised" by Myles Turner's exit

9:47 - WNBA & players still at odds with CBA deadline

17:22 - California AG says Daily Fantasy Sports might be illegal

21:07 - Backyard Baseball is back

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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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Inside the $5.1M College Football NIL Deal | Bradley Beal Exit Looms | UFC Fight at the White House? Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Less than a week has passed since NCAA Division I schools could start directly paying players, and we're already seeing historic deals across all sports. Five-star football offensive tackle Felix Ojo spurned offers from Texas and Ohio State to sign a historic, fully guaranteed three-year, $5.1 million revenue-sharing contract with Texas Tech. It is believed to be one of the largest agreements in college football history. Ojo's agents, Derrick Shelby, and Rashad Phillips of Prestige Management Group, tell Baker Machado and Renee Washington how they were able to secure Ojo’s megadeal, in addition to the reported $1.2 million they got softball pitcher NiJaree Canady, and how athletes should navigate the current NIL (name, image, and likeness) environment after the landmark House settlement.

Plus, the Suns and Bradley Beal are expected to part ways in the coming days, as Phoenix would reportedly absorb the remaining $110 million of Beal’s contract, ending one of the most infamous deals in NBA history. FOS reporter Colin Salao breaks down how Beal’s exit is similar to what the Bucks did with Damian Lillard and what his options are on the open market.

And President Donald Trump and UFC say they plan to host a fight on the White House lawn as part of America’s 250th celebration on July 4, 2026. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher explains the likelihood of the unprecedented event happening and whether former two-division champion Conor McGregor might be one of the fighters in the ring.

Key Moments:

0:41 - Nats fire GM & Manager, FIFA CWC ticket prices drop, WNBA All-Star Game modest payout

4:40 - Will Bradley Beal leave the Suns?

9:43 - Felix Ojo secures largest college football contract

17:12 - Trump announces White House UFC event

21:18 - Wimbledon technology issues

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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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Rashaun Williams’s Portfolio: Startups, Shark Tank and NFL Ownership Jul 05, 2025

Show notes

On a special Saturday drop, we're bringing you a conversation from our Portfolio Players series. In the this episode of Portfolio Players, Presented by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley, FOS Editor-in-Chief Dan Roberts interviews Atlanta Falcons limited partner & venture capitalist Rashaun Williams.

Rashaun talks about his investment strategy & how it led him to becoming a limited partner in the Atlanta Falcons ownership as well as investor in multiple NBA teams. In the interview, the Shark Tank guest host breaks down some of his best wins and losses tying in his overall thought process on portfolio building.

Describing his diversified investment approach, Williams highlights his focus on high-growth potential startups and how they have contributed significantly to his financial success.

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A ‘Slap in the Face’ for WNBA Players | Jerome Bettis on Aaron Rodgers Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

The dust has settled after a wild start to NBA free agency, with insiders questioning the moves made by Milwaukee in dumping star Damian Lillard and replacing him with Myles Turner. Did the team do enough to keep star Giannis Antetokounmpo happy? Plus, after reportedly discussing a $42 million contract with the Pistons, Malik Beasley is in limbo as he faces a federal investigation over allegations of sports betting. FOS reporter Ben Horney details the latest in the investigation and why Beasley’s former agent sued for $2.5 million, claiming Beasley might not have any money.

Meanwhile, in the WNBA, the league and players are in heated discussions on a new collective bargaining agreement that expires after the season, with stars like Mercury forward Satou Sabally calling the league’s latest proposal a “slap in the face.” CBS Sports WNBA analyst Terrika Foster-Brasby breaks down the latest in the negotiations and explains why the league’s big expansion news this week hasn't sat too well with some players.

And, NFL Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis joins the show to chat about his former team, the Steelers, signing Aaron Rodgers, and if he thinks they made enough moves during the offseason to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Key Moments:

0:37 - Wimbledon upsets, NBA free agency, Fever wins Commissioner's Cup

4:57 - Players call CBA offer a 'slap in the face'

9:56 - Steelers legend Jerome Bettis discusses Aaron Rodgers in black & gold

17:20 - Malik Beasley debt details emerge

21:47 - Well wishes to Red Panda

📈 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

NBA Free Agent Frenzy Tips Off | Why Did The Bucks Drop Damian Lillard? Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

The NBA’s official start to the offseason started with a bang, as teams could finally sign free agents and trade players. Some of the biggest moves include Oklahoma City signing MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a new supermax contract, the Nuggets making a big trade, and the Bucks shocking the NBA world by releasing star Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner away from the Pacers. Spotrac’s Keith Smith crunches the numbers and explains how these new deals will work under the league’s new salary cap and which teams are close to the dreaded luxury tax apron.

Plus, sneaker insider Nick DePaula dishes on the latest shoe news, including New Balance increasing their basketball footprint with the signing of Cooper Flagg and what he’s hearing about Caitlin Clark’s long-awaited signature Nike sneaker. He’s also giving us a first look at the new Air Jordan 40s.

And EA Sports is bringing back its NCAA college basketball video game after shelving it back in 2009. Extra Points founder/publisher Matt Brown joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain how college athletes receiving NIL payments played a huge role in the game’s return and if EA Sports will be able to extend its licensing deal for Madden NFL, which expires in 2026.

Key Moments:

0:43 - NFL punts 18-game season, ESPN & MLB, SGA gets paid

5:57 - NBA new salary cap

10:01 - Latest sneaker news drop

17:19 - EA Sports reboots NCAA basketball

21:26 - Happy Bobby Bonilla Day!

📈 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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