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Sports is big business - and there is no offseason to the major moves, groundbreaking deals and culture-shifting moments happening across the world of sports.
Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture. Join our host, Baker as he offers insightful commentary on breaking news and engages in conversations surrounding the biggest headlines, with guest appearances from athletes, executives, experts and more.
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As the deadline to come to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement was about to expire Friday, the WNBA and the players agreed to a 30-day extension to continue negotiations, pushing the new deadline to Nov. 30. FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile breaks down the current state of talks and whether there is still a real chance of a lockout or strike if negotiations break down.
Meanwhile, after being publicly told by the state’s governor he would not be hiring LSU’s next football coach, athletic director Scott Woodward announced he would be leaving the school just days after the university dismissed Brian Kelly with the second-largest contract buyout. FOS college sports reporter Amanda Christovich tells Baker Machado how the situation at the school has unraveled to the point that they now will need to hire a new coach, AD, and university president.
Plus, the latest on how long YouTube TV subscribers might be without ESPN and ABC after the carriage dispute between Google and Disney, and the Emirates NBA Cup 2025 tips off tonight for its third year with even more prize money at stake for players
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry says LSU athletic director Scott Woodward won't be picking the successor for football coach Brian Kelly, and that he'd let "Donald Trump select it before I let [Woodward] do it." FOS college sports reporter Amanda Christovich explains why the state governor is so involved in this process and what it means for Woodward's future.
Speaking of LSU, former Tigers star Angel Reese is trademarking her own name, a sign of her growing brand power—a trend for numerous WNBA players across the league, says FOS reporter Annie Costabile. It coincides with collective bargaining negotiations, which is especially telling after commissioner Cathy Engelbert allegedly said players like Caitlin Clark should be "grateful" for the platform the league provides them.
Also, the World Series heads back to Toronto for the most expensive Canadian sports event in history, Pacquiao vs. Mayweather could happen again, and Jaylen Brown calls LeBron James for advice on saving his hairline.
Terry Rozier's lawyer says the Heat guard would not have compromised earnings from his shoe deal by missing NBA games intentionally, and claims that Rozier faked his injury are "absurd." This comes as a new ESPN report says the FBI is looking to withhold pay for Rozier and Chauncey Billups during their leaves of absence. FOS reporter Colin Salao joins to discuss. Meanwhile, FOS reporter Amanda Christovich explains why the NCAA is delaying plans to let its athletes gamble, and why the SEC is fighting against this new allowance.
Plus, Cllct Media founder Darren Rovell joins Baker Machado to discuss a changing tide in the collectibles industry, and why big buyers and billionaires are artificially inflating the market for the worse.
Also, the WNBA proposes a collective bargaining extension, Michael Jordan rips load management, and Americans want a new national holiday.
Shohei Ohtani is set to take the mound for the Dodgers in Game 4 on Tuesday night, looking to continue his historic postseason run after the longest World Series game by innings in MLB history Monday. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher joins live from Dodger Stadium to set the scene and put Ohtani's greatness in the same context as a certain Chicago Bulls star from the 1990s. Meanwhile, FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile gets us up to speed on the latest with WNBA collective bargaining talks as the Oct. 31 deadline rapidly approaches.
Plus, Bears receiver Rome Odunze joins Baker Machado to unpack Chicago’s newfound success under head coach Ben Johnson. He explains what it's like playing in one of football's toughest divisions, his relationship with Caleb Williams, and spending summers on his grandparents' dairy farm.
Also, Lionel Messi wants MLS to get rid of its salary cap, the Lakers’ new ownership group adds another member, and the NHL Frozen Frenzy hits ESPN on Tuesday night.
Brian Kelly is out at LSU with a buyout of roughly $53 million, although he may not get that entire amount, says FOS college sports reporter Amanda Christovich, who joins Baker Machado to explain. Meanwhile, newsletter writer David Rumsey explains why he expects total buyouts to climb to more than $200 million this season, already at $169 million after the Kelly news. He also explains why he doesn't see Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin as a likely candidate for vacant coaching positions around the Power 4.
Plus, additional former pro athletes are reportedly connected to the NBA's illegal poker game, including Kevin Garnett, Antonio Gates, and current Clippers coach Tyronn Lue. FOS deals reporter Ben Horney explains how strong the feds' case really is, while reporter Colin Salao gets us caught up on some of the early-season storylines that have been overshadowed by this scandal.
Also, Justin Fields has a revenge game against his own team, the Orioles find their new manager, and why Monday is a very special night in the sports world.
We continue to follow updates around the NBA's massive illegal gambling scandal with FOS deals reporter Ben Horney, including Brian Windhorst saying that the NBA knew about Terry Rozier's suspicious betting activity in 2023 and "pulled him" for the rest of the season. Ben also assesses how strong the case is against both Rozier and Chauncey Billups after each of their attorneys said they would fight the charges.
Plus, ESPN's Get Up producer Paul Hembekides joins us with some great math around the World Series and why this year's matchup reflects an important spending trend in MLB. Hembo tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington that most owners are actually rooting for the superteam Dodgers ahead of intense labor negotiations next year, and he offers his prediction for what could be the highest-rated World Series ever.
Also, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik talks through his team's struggles this season, politicians put pressure on the WNBA, and we say goodbye to someone very special.
Key Moments:
0:30 - Main Event with Ben Horney
7:42 -Interview with Cade Klubnik
15:35 - Interview with Paul Hembekides
23:10 - NBA ratings
24:09 - WNBA Union
25:44 - Aaron Rodgers retirement
27:27 - Alex Morgan Honored
The NBA woke up to shock during its opening week as Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were among 34 people arrested as part of a pair of investigations related to illegal sports betting and rigged poker games backed by the Mafia, according to the FBI. FOS writer Ben Horney joins from the Manhattan courthouse with the latest on the investigation, plus FOS editor-in-Chief Dan Roberts discusses the likelihood of new regulations surrounding “prop bets” and how this is yet another scandal for commissioner Adam Silver to deal with.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants made a big splash hiring University of Tennessee's Tony Vitello as their new manager, becoming the first time a big league team has hired a manager from college without any major league experience. Giants reporter John Shea of The San Francisco Standard tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington why new team president Buster Posey had to think outside the box in hiring Vitello to compete against the Dodgers and Padres.
Plus, FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher is back from the NFL’s fall owners meetings with news on the Pro Bowl moving indoors during Super Bowl week, and we discuss Lionel Messi’s new contract with Inter Miami that will keep him in MLS until 2028.
NBC brought back its NBA coverage in a big way, but with some kinks that still need to be ironed out, according to FOS media reporter Ryan Glasspiegel. He joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to evaluate the debut of NBC, including its highly anticipated "MJ: Insights to Excellence" series with Michael Jordan.
Also, Brian Windhorst joins to take us through the biggest stories he's watching for this season, including LeBron's new role with the Lakers, Giannis Antetokounmpo's trade request status with the Bucks, and how teams will navigate the second apron of the CBA. Windhorst also weighs in on the WNBA labor negotiation and Adam Silver's role within that, and he takes us through the details of his flight's emergency landing from earlier this week.
Plus, the NHL cancels its pre-Olympic event, LaLiga pulls the plug on its Miami game, and the Ravens punish their players in a pretty hilarious way.
The World Series is set, with the Dodgers heading to Toronto for Game 1 against the Blue Jays. This series will bring out international audiences from both Japan and Canada, which FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher sees as a big positive for MLB. He joins to talk through the intrigue around this heavy-hitting matchup and give his prediction.
Plus, the NBA season tips off tonight on NBC, one of two new partners under the new media-rights deal worth $76 billion. FOS reporter Colin Salao tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington which storylines he's watching most closely this year, including the fragmentation of media rights and the ongoing Clippers scandal ahead of their first time hosting the All-Star Game.
Also, Lakers reporter Yaron Weitzman talks us through discoveries from his new book, A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers, that details everything from Russell Westbrook's beef with LeBron to the draft process around Bronny James.
Billy Napier is out at Florida after more than a year of speculation, and the Gators owe him more than $21 Million for the buyout. Why is this becoming the norm in college football and could Lane Kiffin replace him? FOS writer David Rumsey explains.
Plus, the Dodgers have already seen a full return on their $700 million deal with Shohei Ohtani—reportedly offset by first-year merchandise and ticket sales, according to baseball reporter and analyst Joon Lee. He joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain Ohtani's economic impact and evaluate how a potential "international" World Series between the Dodgers and the Blue Jays would position MLB in the global marketplace.
Also, FOS Asset Class author Ben Horney talks through expansion in the NHL and MLB, the Savannah Bananas could be worth $100 Billion some day, and the Colts and Broncos fight for the top spot as the NFL's must-watch team.
Key Moments
0:28 - DURANT’S $30M DISCOUNT, LA LIGA PROTEST, MESSI WINS MLS GOLDEN BOOT4:24 - THE MAIN EVENT WITH DAVID RUMSEY | MAKING SENSE OF ANOTHER WILD WEEKEND IN CFB9:57 - OHTANI ECONOMICS: GLOBAL STAR IS PAYING FOR HIMSELF18:49 - ASSET CLASS: THE PRICE FOR EXPANSION TEAMS23:04 - NFL'S MUST-WATCH TEAM?
Formula One and Apple agreed to a five-year, $700 million deal for Apple TV to stream F1 races in the U.S. The league has had a broadcast deal with ESPN since 2018. FOS newsletter writer David Rumsey explains why this move made sense for the world's most popular racing league, and how this positions Apple TV in the arms race for live sports rights.
Plus, former Alabama running back Damien Harris joins to preview the “Third Saturday in October” game between Alabama and Tennessee, and explain why the days of a clear top dog in college football could be behind us.
Also, FOS reporter Colin Salao preps us for the upcoming NBA season, Curt Cignetti gets a big payday from the Indiana Hoosiers, and Joe Flacco does it again.
Key Moments:
0:32 - Cignetti's big extension, Myers leaving ESPN, UNC's Saudi visit5:22 - F1 rights heading to Apple, leaving ESPN10:30 - Is college football's dynasty era ending?18:30 - Court Vision: making sense of an insane Western conference23:04 - Joe Flacco gives Cincinnati a spark
ESPN's First Take has a new host to replace Molly Qerim: Shae Cornette. FOS Tuned In writer Michael McCarthy had the scoop on this and joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to discuss the big change. He also weighs in on Bruce Pearl heading to TNT Sports and Clay Travis potentially leaving OutKick, the media organization he founded and sold to Fox.
Plus, Monday Night Football sideline reporter Laura Rutledge joins the show to peel back the curtain of what goes into making these ESPN broadcasts happen, especially during the four weeks of this season that have two MNF games. She also tells us about the strange way Dan Orlovsky eats Mentos.
Also, with the NBA season just days away, FOS reporter Colin Salao joins to talk through some of the biggest questions we have around the Eastern Conference heading into the season. Meanwhile, FIFA walks back its comments directed at U.S. President Donald Trump, Real Madrid is changing its ownership structure, and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is upset.
The Dodgers lead the Cinderella-story Brewers 2–0 in the NLCS and have looked completely dominant thanks to their big investments in pitching. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to revisit the payroll discrepancy in MLB, give his predictions for both championship series, and look ahead to the offseason.
Plus, Los Angeles Kings all-time leading scorer and team president Luc Robitaille joins with insights on the NHL's new CBA, pros playing in the Olympics, and league expansion. He also addresses the direction of the Kings this year and going forward after franchise player Anže Kopitar retires at the end of the season.
Also, we see resolutions for numerous lawsuits in the NBA, Giannis wants to spend his final playing years in Greece, and U.S. President Donald Trump threatens the World Cup again.
Key Moments: 0:30 - Trump threatens FIFA, Big Ten private equity opposition, Portland Fire blunder
4:32 - MLB postseason latest
10:03 - LA Kings president Luc Robitaille
20:26 - NBA lawsuits updates
25:02 - Giannis back to Greece?
The Titans became the first NFL team to fire a head coach this season, parting ways with Brian Callahan, who was just 4–19 with the team. Now Tennessee is searching for its third head coach in the last four seasons, with offensive assistant Mike McCoy getting the interim title. ESPN Titans reporter Turron Davenport joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain what went wrong for Tennessee and what's next.
Plus, there’s a chance that James Franklin may not get his $50 million buyout after all, according to his contract, which was acquired by Front Office Sports. FOS college sports reporter Amanda Christovich explains this interesting loophole that could save Penn State millions of dollars. Meanwhile, the school's controversial switch from Nike to Adidas has board members frustrated and feeling out of the loop, according to reporting from FOS editor-in-chief Dan Roberts. He explains the details behind the drama.
Also, the NBA reportedly approved the Clippers-Aspiration deal in 2021, the NFL’s Browns are heading to the suburbs, and the fan-favorite Scorigami bot is broken.
Key Moments:
0:32 - Clippers/Aspiration latest, MLB manager updates, Browns leaving Cleveland
4:32 - Inside the Titans' dysfunction
10:02 - Penn State's loophole to avoid paying James Franklin
17:55 - Penn State's controversial Adidas deal
23:37 - 'Scorigami' bot busted
Penn State fired James Franklin over the weekend, granting him the second-largest buyout in college football history at nearly $50 million. Former Penn State tight end and college football analyst Adam Breneman joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington with his reaction to the news about his former coach, and why this made sense despite Franklin's success. Meanwhile, FOS newsletter writer David Rumsey explains why buyouts are becoming more common in college football.
Plus, the Las Vegas Aces are champions once again, but the conversation around the WNBA quickly shifts to collective bargaining talks, says FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile. She joins with exclusive reporting around the details of the latest proposal, which the WNBA calls "very compelling."
Also, Mark Sanchez speaks, the NBA takes a big step toward games in China, and Tiger Woods is getting another surgery.
Key Moments:
0:28 - Sanchez speaks, Jess Berman extension, NBA in China
5:00 - James Franklin out at Penn State with ~$50M buyout
17:04 - Buyout Season: the costs to cut coaches
21:33 - Aces complete WNBA finals sweep as focus shifts to CBA
26:15 - Tiger Woods Injury
The Las Vegas Aces are close to clinching their third WNBA title in four seasons, as they lead the Phoenix Mercury 3–0 with a chance to close it out on the road. As the Aces blow through the WNBA's first best-of-seven Finals, FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile joins from Phoenix to explain the historical dominance of Las Vegas and where things stand with collective bargaining discussions.
Plus, former college basketball star Deja Kelly joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to offer a player perspective of the tension between WNBA athletes and commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Kelly also spent training camp with the Aces and explains what makes them so successful.
Also, we hear from NWSL player Jess Carter on the postseason push, the Pro Bowl is getting reimagined, and Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show has competition.
Key Moments:
0:37 - New Pro Bowl, SB Halftime competition, Inside the NBA schedule
6:13 - NBA Finals check in
11:00 - What do WNBA players want most in CBA negotiations?
19:45 - NWSL player Jess Carter
25:26 - NBA GM poll takeaways
North Carolina and Bill Belichick say they are still both “fully committed” to each other after a report that the two sides are discussing a potential exit for the Hall of Fame coach from the school after a disastrous 2–3 start to the season. Belichick’s first three years of his five-year, $50 million contract are fully guaranteed, so FOS college sports reporter Amanda Christovich explains what the buyout options for the Tar Heels are if they decide to move on.
Also, you’ve probably seen his ads during college football games on Saturdays, but Texas Tech booster and oil billionaire Cody Campbell says he is on a mission to save college athletics by lobbying Congress against the NCAA-backed SCORE Act that would create a standardized, national framework for NIL (name, image, and likeness) rights. Campbell tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington why he believes a new governing body should replace the NCAA and that the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 should be amended to allow all college football media rights to be pooled and sold together, which could help pay for women’s and Olympic sports.
Plus, Zach Berman, senior writer at The Athletic and author of the book, Leap Year: The Philadelphia Eagles' Ascent to Super Bowl Champions, chats about how the Eagles built a Super Bowl roster for years to come and whether fans are reading too much into the private meeting among Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and A.J. Brown following the team’s offensive struggles.
Key Moments:
1:22 - Yankees eliminated from playoffs, Connecticut Sun staying put, Browns QB carousel
5:37 - Can North Carolina Buyout Bill Belichick’s $50 Million Contract?
10:42 - Texas Tech mega booster Cody Campbell joins FOST
20:43 - Eagles' tension in offense
The new international basketball league, designed to compete with the NBA and WNBA, is planning to launch in the fall of 2026, but FOS has learned that Maverick Carter will not be one of the founders after all. FOS deals reporter Ben Horney joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington with the details of this new league, and whether it poses a real threat to the existing powerhouse basketball leagues.
Plus, tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian talks through his investments in women’s sports, including his new track league Athlos, which has its New York City event this weekend. Ohanian explains why that league is here to stay, and why his Chelsea FC women's club could be the first women's sports franchise worth $1 billion.
Also, the MLB playoffs have been a big success for brands, WNBA Finals ratings set a record, and former ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski announces his latest project with St. Bonaventure.
More charges have been brought against Mark Sanchez after Saturday's violent incident, as the former quarterback also faces potential civil penalties in addition to felony assault charges. FOS reporter Ben Horney joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain the possible outcomes in this complicated situation, which now also involves Fox Sports as a legal party.
Plus, TNT broadcaster Kenny Albert gets us ready for the upcoming NHL season, which begins Tuesday. Albert evaluates the likelihood of a Panthers three-peat, Alex Ovechkin's potential final season, and the new CBA. He also explains how TNT is prioritizing NHL coverage after losing the NBA.
Also, the new Rays owners explain their stadium plans, LeBron James's "Second Decision" is a big dud, and NBA commissioner Adam Silver addresses the tense situation between the WNBA and league commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
After losing to unranked UCLA this weekend, James Franklin could be on the hot seat for Penn State, which was ranked No. 2 in the preseason Associated Press 25 poll. He joins a list of college coaches who are struggling against lofty expectations, including Steve Sarkisian, Deion Sanders, and Bill Belichick. FOS newsletter writer David Rumsey joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to give his take on which school is in the worst position right now, and what a buyout could look like for Franklin and Penn State.
Plus, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier reportedly canceled a meeting with Cathy Engelbert after the WNBA commissioner publicly responded to Collier's criticisms, telling reporters she "obviously" did not make the comments about Caitlin Clark and other players needing to be "grateful" for the league. WNBA insider Khristina Williams joins to predict what comes next in this ugly saga, and how much longer Engelbert will last as commissioner.
Also, Mark Sanchez could face up to six years in prison, ESPN denies pulling Paul Finebaum from the air, and the NHL has a major concussion problem.
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