Front Office Sports Today

Latest Episodes:

How the Big Ten is Emulating the NFL Sep 01, 2023

Show notes

The Big Ten is taking a page from the NFL in its broadcast strategy with plans to own Saturday the way the NFL does Sunday. We also take a look at the Coach Prime phenomenon as Colorado attracts outsized attention and soaring ticket prices due to the presence of Deion Sanders.

Plus, former Miami Marlins president David Samson joins us to discuss the state of the Los Angeles Angels — following one of the most dramatic reversals in recent memory.

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College Football Playoff Future in Flux Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

The College Football Playoff Board of Managers met on Wednesday to discuss the future of the CFP amid the collapse of the Pac-12. Now, Power 5 revenue distribution and the role of Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff are in question.

Plus, we have a fascinating interview with Jeffrey Pollack, who has been an executive with the Los Angeles Chargers, the XFL, the Professional Bull Riders Association, and the World Series of Poker. He's now the first professor of practice at the McCormack Department of Sport Management at the University of Massachusetts' Isenberg School of Management.

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The Royals Stadium Plans Hit a Speed Bump Aug 30, 2023

Show notes

The Kansas City Royals are moving past the renderings and into the realities of getting a new stadium built — but they face certain challenges in striking a deal. Negotiations over the coming months could determine whether the team builds a downtown venue or a large development away from the city center.

Plus, we hear from New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner on his offseason and playing with Aaron Rodgers, while FanRally founder and CEO Chris Giles discusses reimagining the fan-team relationship.

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Fenway Sports Group Makes Move in NHL Media Aug 29, 2023

Show notes

Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Pittsburgh Penguins, is now buying the team's regional sports network, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh. Fenway is expected to follow the model it has used with the Boston Red Sox's NESN channel by introducing streaming for local fans. But the purchase presents a fork in the road for the Pittsburgh Pirates — also broadcast by AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh.

Plus, we hear from ESPN broadcaster Jessica Mendoza on broadcasting the Little League World Series, being one of the first female broadcasters in an MLB booth, and the state of MLB.

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Cal and Stanford Could Zag to Big 12 Aug 28, 2023

Show notes

Cal and Stanford have engaged the Big 12, Arizona State will not host bowl games this season amid an NCAA investigation, Spanish coaches are resigning en masse to protest Luis Rubiales, and the Oakland A’s may try to share Oracle Park with the San Francisco Giants for three years.

Plus, we speak to USTA CEO and US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster on the 50th anniversary of Billie Jean King successfully advocating for equal pay between men and women at the US Open.

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ACC Faces Decision on Cal, Stanford, SMU Aug 25, 2023

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The ACC has three schools knocking out the door but remains undecided whether to let them in. Front Office Sports reporter Amanda Christovich breaks down why ACC members are on the fence —and if this is really the end of the Pac-12.

Plus, FOS newsletter co-author David Rumsey speaks to New York Red Bulls president Marc de Grandpré on Messi Mania coming to the Big Apple, and we hear from tennis legend and ESPN analyst Chris Evert on the U.S. Open.

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Reggie Bush Wants His Heisman Back Aug 24, 2023

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Reggie Bush won the Heisman Trophy in 2005, then had it taken away for accepting impermissible benefits, according to the NCAA. We dive into the backstory of this thorny case, and what’s likely to happen next.

Plus, the US Gymnastics Championships begin on Thursday, as three former champions, Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, and Suni Lee, look to assert themselves. Journalist Ari Saperstein joins to discuss what this key moment, with an eye toward the 2024 Olympics.

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White Sox Threaten to Walk Out Aug 23, 2023

Show notes

Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf has floated the possibility that the team could leave Guaranteed Rate Field — or even depart Chicago entirely — if they don’t get a good deal when their lease runs out in six years. We explore how serious that threat is — and whether Reinsdorf even intends to keep the team.

Plus, MLB Hall of Famer Tom Glavine discusses his broadcasting career, how he’s had to adjust to the pitch clock as an analyst, the surging Atlanta Braves, and the biggest what-if of his career.

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MLS is Playing the Long Game with Messi Mania Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

MLS Commissioner Don Garber told ESPN he thinks clubs should take the initiative in harnessing Messi Mania for long-term growth. Newsletter co-authors Eric Fisher and David Rumsey discuss what Garber's comments mean for MLS clubs going forward.

Plus, we are joined by Rob Petrozzo, co-founder of the Rally Museum — where everything on exhibit is available for public investment.

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Women's Soccer Hits New Heights Aug 21, 2023

Show notes

Spain defeated England to win its first Women’s World Cup at a time when then the women’s game has never been more popular. We take a look at what this tournament meant for women’s soccer.

Plus, we take a look at the multi-club model of soccer team ownership, first with a new women’s fund that aims to raise $100 million to buy women’s teams, and then with 777 co-founder Josh Wander, who was one of the early innovators in that realm.

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