Front Office Sports Today

Latest Episodes:

Messi Mania Marks New Era for MLS Jul 21, 2023

Show notes

The day has finally arrived. After 19 years of playing professionally in Europe, Lionel Messi is set to make his MLS debut tonight with Inter Miami CF. Dan Courtemanche, EVP of Communications at MLS, joins us to give an inside look at how Messi came to play in the States — as well as MLS' streaming deal with Apple and Messi's impact on viewership.

We've also got newsletter co-author Eric Fisher, who shares his thoughts on how Messi Mania is going to impact Miami, MLS, and American soccer.

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USWNT Looking to Make History in World Cup Jul 20, 2023

Show notes

The Women's World Cup kicked off this morning in Australia and New Zealand, and the USWNT is attempting to do something unprecedented — win three World Cups in a row. Front Office Sports writer Doug Greenberg joins us to take a look at America's chances to make history, as well as the record amount of money invested into this year's tournament.

Next, we're joined by USWNT captain Lindsey Horan — a focal point on the team that won the 2019 Women's World Cup. Horan gives some insight into what it's like to play for a World Cup, the state of professional women's soccer internationally, and how the NWSL can keep up with European Leagues.

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Roger Bennett on the Rise of American Soccer Jul 19, 2023

Show notes

This week alone, Lionel Messi is set to play his first MLS game, Premier League teams are flooding the United States, and the USWNT begins its quest for a third consecutive Women’s World Cup. Men In Blazers’ Roger Bennett joins FOS Today to make his case that this is the biggest moment in American soccer history — and why it’s only the beginning for the sport.

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The Atlanta Braves Go Public Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

The Atlanta Braves are going public on Wednesday morning. Newsletter co-author Eric Fisher gives us some insight on the deal, plus the latest on the Arizona Diamondbacks' move from Bally Sports.

Then, SlamBall makes its return to television this weekend on ESPN after two decades off-the-air. Mason Gordon, founder and CEO of SlamBall, comes on to share the sports' comeback story.

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Could Netflix's 'Quarterback' overtake 'Hard Knocks'? Jul 17, 2023

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In the few days since its release, Netflix's NFL docuseries "Quarterback" has garnered rave reviews and is one of the top shows on the streaming platform — raising speculation that the new series will overtake HBO's 'Hard Knocks' as the leading NFL reality show. Newsletter co-author David Rumsey shares his thoughts on whether or not Netflix can top HBO.

We also have an interview with executives from THINK450 — a for-profit organization owned by the NBPA focused solely on maximizing revenues for the collective body of NBA players. Que Gaskins and Keisha Wright, its respective president and senior VP of partnerships, team up with David Spencer, co-founder of the NYC-based Talent Resources Sports marketing agency, for an inside look at how they work to market and promote individual NBA players.

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Disney CEO Open to Selling Stake in ESPN Jul 14, 2023

Show notes

In an era of cord-cutting, Disney CEO Bob Iger is exploring selling stakes in Disney's linear and digital channels — including ESPN. Senior writer Mike McCarthy joins us to break down Iger's position — and why he thinks Iger is showing his hand with the announcement. We also hear from Senior Reporter A.J. Perez on a potential holdup with the Washington Commanders sale.

Plus, ESPN Tennis commentator Patrick McEnroe joins us from Wimbledon to give us a sneak peek of this weekend's finals, whether or not sports documentaries like Netflix's "Break Point" can turn your average tennis player into a household name, and why we haven't seen a American tennis player at the top of the standings in well over a decade.

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Our MLB Midseason Check-In Jul 13, 2023

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With the MLB All-Star Game behind us, we are officially at the midway point of the baseball season. Senior writer Owen Poindexter and newsletter co-author Eric Fisher take a look at how the new rule changes have affected the game, an unexpected connection between teams' payrolls and success, and what Shohei Ohtani's next contract could look like.

Next, we are joined by USMNT and Fulham F.C. defender Tim Ream, who has a lot to say about his time on and off the pitch — including equal pay for men and women athletes, a possible promotion/relegation system in the U.S., and his upcoming show with Men in Blazers.

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Senators Grill PGA Tour on Saudi Deal Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

The U.S. Senate held a hearing on the proposed deal between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and FOS senior reporter AJ Perez spoke to leading senators on how the government could impact a defining deal for the future of golf.

FOS reporter Amanda Christovich joins to discuss the bizarre situations involving Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald and West Virginia basketball coach Bob Huggins.

Finally, we hear from one of the most iconic voices in sports, Bruce Buffer, who electrifies UFC crowds with his signature phrase, “It’s Time!”

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Brady, Strahan Bring NFL Approach to Media Venture Jul 11, 2023

Show notes

Religion of Sports is a media production company with one key tenet: sports matter. Tom Brady, Michael Strahan, and Gotham Chopra wanted to tell stories of how sports impact humanity, and CEO Ameeth Sankaran gives us an inside look at what the production company is up to with Brady and Strahan, plus a new deal with FOX Sports.

We also hear from senior reporter A.J. Perez on the sudden disbandment of the New York Times sports desk and the upcoming senate hearing on the deal between the PGA and LIV Golf.

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What's Behind Skip Bayless' Hiatus? Jul 10, 2023

Show notes

Skip Bayless unexpectedly announced that he is taking a two month break amid an uncertain time for his "Undisputed" show. Front Office Sports senior writer Mike McCarthy provides insider reporting on what's going on, and what could be next for Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith.

We also get a peak inside the struggles of MLB's regional sports networks and whether the league will eventually take all of its broadcasting rights in house with Horizon Media's Adam Schwartz.

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