Front Office Sports Today

Latest Episodes:

Inside the WNBA's Expansion to Philly, Cleveland, and Detroit | Did LeBron Just Sign His Last NBA Contract? Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

The WNBA will undergo major expansion to 18 teams by the end of the decade, announcing new teams in Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. They join new franchises in Portland and Toronto in 2026. FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile was at the news announcement and breaks down how NBA owners helped bring the new teams to the W.

Plus, LeBron James opted in to the final year of his $52.6 million deal with the Lakers in what could be the final NBA contract for the league's all-time leading scorer. The Athletic senior NBA writer Fred Katz tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington why King James decided to stay one more season with the Lakers and if the team will go all in for one last title run before building their future around Luka Dončić.

And the 138th Wimbledon tournament gets underway with both record-high temperatures and a $73 million pool prize. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher discusses Wimbledon’s major redevelopment plans and whether the tournament can continue to capitalize on Grand Slam excitement from the French Open that saw wins for Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff.

Key Moments:

0:39 - Ramsey joins Steelers, Messi eliminated in FIFA CWC, Malik Beasley Betting Scandal

4:46 - Inside WNBA expansion to Philly, Cleveland, Detroit

9:51 - LeBron stays with Lakers for one more season

17:37 - Wimbledon's record purse

21:40 - Ace Bailey "blessed" to play for Jazz

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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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NBA Insider Bobby Marks Gives Draft Winners and Losers | NHL to Play 84 Regular-Season Games in 2026 Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

The dust has settled from the NBA draft, and No. 5 pick Ace Bailey still doesn't seem that jazzed to be in Utah. Will the former Rutgers star even play for his new team, and what are his options if he doesn't show up? Also, which teams made great selections and which dropped the ball? ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks joins Baker Machado and Derryl Barnes to give his draft winners and losers, as well as answer whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will return to the Bucks next season.

Plus, after three lockouts over the last 20 years, the NHL and NHLPA have agreed to a new CBA through 2030 that will include an 84-game regular season in 2026. FOS editorial director of features Meredith Turits breaks down the new deal, which includes a solution for emergency goalies and the maximum length for player contracts.

And Apple's $200 million film F1 finally hits theaters this week. Will the blockbuster starring Brad Pitt bring new fans to the sport?

Key Moments:

0:42 - Masai Ujiri out as Raptors President, TNT drops NBATV, Texas State joins PAC-12

4:42 - NHL CBA Changes Lengthen Regular Season

9:52 - ESPN's Bobby Marks on Ace Bailey, NBA Draft Trades

17:56 - Inside F1 Movie with Screenvision CEO

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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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NBA Draft: Good, Bad, and Ugly | Inside Ace Bailey's Pre-Draft Process & Playing for Utah Jazz Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

The first round of the NBA draft saw six trades, opposite crowd reactions for Adam Silver and Cooper Flagg, and Shams Charania (mostly) staying off social media to avoid spoilers for the broadcast. FOS multimedia reporter Derryl Barnes was at the draft, and he gives his thoughts on how the environment compares to the TV product. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher also discusses how draft-night trades impact the viewership experience for the fans.

Plus, we are joined by Andrew Witlieb of Ace Bailey's representation on how the Rutgers star feels about being in Utah and why he declined pre-draft workouts for teams in the top five of the draft.

Key Moments:

0:47 - Ronaldo re-signs, NHL extends season, Paypal signs

4:39 - NBA Draft: Good, Bad, and Ugly

9:53 - Trades!

13:26 - Ace Bailey's Management talks landing in Utah

17:35 - Paul Rabil on PLL and ESPN deal

22:00 - Mother's Day at the NBA Draft

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New NBA Era: Draft, Trades, and Luxury Tax | Why Networks Are Investing in Sports Leagues Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

The NBA draft is Wednesday night, and more trades are expected as teams sell off parts to navigate CBA restrictions and avoid the luxury tax. FOS reporter Colin Salao says the free-agency craze from the 2010s is something of the past, and because of that, drafting and trading players matter more than ever, especially in light of the Celtics trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis.

Four-time NBA champ John Salley also joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to discuss the evolution of the draft process, how a draft slide affects a player's mentality, as well as Salley’s thoughts on his former team, the Lakers, selling at a record $10 billion valuation.

Plus, ESPN acquires a stake in the Premier Lacrosse League, the latest in a trend of networks acquiring stakes in start-up leagues. FOS Tuned In columnist Michael McCarthy joins with the latest insight.

Key Moments:

0:37 - March Madness expansion, Bonner waived by Fever, NBA Draft

3:49 - Early offseason and draft trades

9:53 - 4X Champ John Salley

17:36 - PLL and ESPN's unique deal

21:41 - Jordan 40's drop

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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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ESPN's Jay Bilas on Cooper Flagg, NBA Draft Format | Inside the NFL's Collusion Case Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

The NBA offseason started with a bang as the Celtics began their roster strip down Monday night, but the real fireworks could come ahead of Wednesday's NBA draft. ESPN draft analyst Jay Bilas joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington with the latest insight on teams moving picks and players, the “new” two-day format that launched last year, and why Cooper Flagg could be the best freshman to ever come out of Duke.

Plus, the NFL is attempting to cover up collusion against guaranteed contracts, according to Pablo Torre and Mike Florio. Florio joins us to discuss this evolving situation involving all 32 team owners, commissioner Roger Goodell, and the NFL’s “Management Council.

Key Moments:

0:40 - Tatis Jr. sues, NBC adds talent, Game 7 ratings 5:21 - NBA offseason's hot start 9:50 - ESPN Draft analyst Jay Bilas 17:35 - PFT's Mike Florio on NFL collusion

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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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What Happens Next for Thunder and Pacers? | Kevin Durant Is Only Start of Suns Drama Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

The Thunder pulled off a Game 7 victory to win the NBA Finals, but their future could be even more exciting. FOS writer Colin Salao joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to discuss the OKC model that the rest of the league should be trying to emulate.

On the other side, the Pacers face difficult decisions in the wake of Tyrese Haliburton's torn Achilles. With basketball fever rampant in Indiana behind the success of the Pacers and Fever, FOS reporter Alex Schiffer says the joint team ownership should do whatever it takes to keep the momentum going.

Plus, Kevin Durant has been traded from the Suns, but this is just the start of what could be a long offseason for Mat Ishbia's club. Suns reporter Duane Rankin discusses what's still to come.

Key Moments:

0:38 - Woody Johnson, Sophie Cunningham, Denver Nuggets

4:28 - OKC Thunder wins NBA Finals

9:49 - Achilles injury epidemic

17:27 - Kevin Durant traded to Houston Rockets

22:12 - Thunder celebration

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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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What New Lakers Owner Mark Walter Does for NBA's Biggest Franchise | Can Game 7 Save NBA Finals? Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

The Lakers have new ownership incoming, with a valuation of $10 billion. How will it affect team operations going forward, and what does this record valuation mean for the rest of the league and sports world at large? FOS deals reporter Ben Horney joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain.

Plus, the Finals have struggled from a ratings perspective, but if previous trends hold, Game 7 on Sunday could bring the boom that the league needs.

Also, boxing promoter and Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn talks about Dana White's recent move into the world of boxing, the Dodgers take a stand against ICE, and Drake loses $800,000.

Key Moments:

0:51 - Ace Bailey, College World Series finalized, LA Dodgers deny Ice

4:40 - New Lakers ownership

9:44 - Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn

17:37 - NBA Finals Game 7

21:34 - Drake loses $800K

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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How the Florida Panthers Went Back-to-Back & What's Next | Does NBA Twitter Run the League? Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

The Florida Panthers completed their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final run in dominant fashion, thanks largely to savvy moves by their front office. But the formula to keep up their winning ways could get complicated in this offseason, says FOS editor Meredith Turits.

Plus, NBA Meme King Josiah Johnson joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain how NBA Twitter has influenced the league's decisions, especially during these Finals, and how fake news account NBACentel factors into it all.

Also, Tuesday's skirmish involving Caitlin Clark has WNBA fans calling out a league-wide refereeing problem, Club World Cup attendance is concerningly low for some matches, and Noah Lyles cancels his race with Tyreek Hill.

Key Moments:

0:36 - Fever merch, JJ McCarthy, NASCAR street race
3:16 - How Florida won the Stanley Cup
9:53 - NBA Meme King Josiah Johnson
13:34 - Caitlin Clark skirmish
17:31 - Club World Cup attendance
22:30 - Tyreek Hill and Noah Lyles race

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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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Can New PGA Commissioner Get LIV Deal Done? Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has officially announced he will be stepping down in 2026 as Brian Rolapp, former NFL chief media officer, is set to take over. Will Rolapp accomplish what Monahan could not and complete the merger deal with LIV Golf? FOS reporter David Rumsey weighs in.Plus, baseball writer Joon Lee reveals dirty details behind the Red Sox' shocking decision to trade franchise cornerstone Rafael Devers, which includes a growing rift inside Boston's organization at the top level.Also, five-time Pro Bowler Terron Armstead joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington in the studio to explain his decision to retire early, offering his thoughts on the NFL's injury management system and potential 18th game.

Key Moments: 0:44 - NBA Twitter, NHL Ratings, Ohtani and Mizuhara 4:46 - New PGA commissioner and LIV merger 9:51 - 5x Pro Bowler Terron Armstead 17:31 - Inside Red Sox dysfunction

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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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Luka Trade of Baseball? Insider Discusses Devers Deal | WNBA Legend Sylvia Fowles on HOF, CBA, and Dead Bodies Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

The Red Sox shocked the baseball world Sunday when they shipped top slugger Rafael Devers to the Giants in what some are calling MLB's Luka Dončić moment. Robert Murray, the insider who broke this story, joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain how this shocking trade came together and what's next for both teams.

Plus, WNBA Hall of Famer Sylvia Fowles joins Front Office Sports Today just days after her induction, and she gives her take on the ongoing CBA discussions and the marketability of next-gen stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

Also, Kevin Durant gives his trade preferences, the Grizzlies follow in the Thunder's footsteps, and Shohei Ohtani returns to the bump after nearly two years.

Key Moments: 0:42 - U.S. Open, NBA blockbuster, Ohtani returns 4:41 - Inside Devers deal 9:41 - WNBA HOFer Sylvia Fowles 17:23 - Kevin Durant trade destinations and haul 21:15 - Caitlin Clark new shoes

📈 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.

📧 Newsletter: ⁠https://frontofficesports.com/newsletters/⁠

📱 Follow us on

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/front-office-sports/⁠

Twitter: ⁠https://x.com/FOS_Today⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/fos_today/⁠

🎙️ Listen on

Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/front-office-sports-today/id1579078258⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7jFxEurA627FJDd0XAw2Wc⁠

iHeart: ⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-front-office-sports-today-94429957/

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