Front Office Sports Today

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The Next Era of the Harlem Globetrotters May 21, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Bare Knuckle Fighting Comes Out of the Shadows May 20, 2024

Show notes

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.

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MLB, NBA, NHL Broadcasting Future Goes to Court May 17, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Fractured Golf World Unites at PGA Championship May 16, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Paramount Sale at Major Fork in the Road May 15, 2024

Show notes

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.

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WNBA's Much-Hyped Season Tips Off May 14, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Tom Brady Explains Why He Bought In on Electric Boat Racing May 13, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Why the A’s New Stadium is More Dream than Reality May 10, 2024

Show notes

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.

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The Story of Women’s College Basketball’s Historic Season May 09, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Sir Charles Could Be Hot Free Agent if TNT Loses NBA May 08, 2024

Show notes

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.

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