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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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Steph Curry and Under Armour are ending their 12-year partnership, as one of the biggest names in sports is set to become a sneaker free agent. FOS editor-in-chief Dan Roberts joins Baker Machado to explain why this divorce was a long time in the making and what could be next for Curry.
Plus, Overtime CEO and cofounder Dan Porter explains how his business has grown from a social media company to the basketball powerhouse it is today behind the Overtime Elite league, whose alumni include Ausar and Amen Thompson, as well as Alex Sarr. He also discusses the influence of NIL (name, image, and likeness) and the importance of establishing athlete brands at an early age.
Also, Orlando Pride rookie Zara Chavoshi reveals what it’s like to break into the NWSL after the league removed its draft, and why Orlando is such a hot destination for big names in women’s soccer, including Alex Morgan and Marta. She also talks through the Pride’s upcoming semifinal match.
There are risks when investing in ETFs, including possible loss of money. ETFs’ risks are similar to those of stocks. Investments in the tech sector are subject to greater risk and more volatility than more diversified investments. The Nasdaq-100 Index® includes the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq. An investment cannot be made directly into an index. Consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. Visit Invesco.com for a prospectus with this information. Read it carefully before investing. Invesco Distributors, Inc.
FanDuel is the latest major sportsbook operator to enter the prediction-markets landscape, which offers a legal loophole for users to essentially bet on non-sports events, including the weather, political outcomes, and the price of cryptocurrencies. FOS deals reporter Ben Horney joins to explain how prediction markets work, why FanDuel and DraftKings are leaning in to them, and how we are just at the beginning of this potential billion-dollar industry.
Plus, Portland Thorns and USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey discusses her team's upcoming semifinal match, the NWSL's growth trajectory, expansion, and more. The Thorns take on the Washington Spirit in a Saturday playoff showdown.
Also, Luka Dončić and Jason Kidd address Nico Harrison’s firing.
Watch the full episode here.
There are risks when investing in ETFs, including possible loss of money. ETFs’ risks are similar to those of stocks. Investments in the tech sector are subject to greater risk and more volatility than more diversified investments. The Nasdaq-100 Index® includes the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq. An investment cannot be made directly into an index. Consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. Visit Invesco.com for a prospectus with this information. Read it carefully before investing. Invesco Distributors, Inc.
The Mavericks have fired Nico Harrison, but he's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Dallas's struggles under its new ownership group. FOS reporter Alex Schiffer joins to explain how a team that was in the NBA Finals just two years ago has so quickly fallen from grace and why everything starts with the owners.
Meanwhile, new upstart European league Project B is looking like a major threat to Unrivaled after signing Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas, says FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile. She joins Baker Machado to explain why this league could be a major disruptor in women's basketball and who else could join Thomas and former WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike overseas.
Plus, YouTube TV and Disney's standoff is heading in the wrong direction, says FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher. He joins to explain.
Also, Giants star edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux joins to talk about his season and the impact he's making off the field.
There are risks when investing in ETFs, including possible loss of money. ETFs’ risks are similar to those of stocks. Investments in the tech sector are subject to greater risk and more volatility than more diversified investments. The Nasdaq-100 Index® includes the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq. An investment cannot be made directly into an index. Consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. Visit Invesco.com for a prospectus with this information. Read it carefully before investing. Invesco Distributors, Inc.
Just days after former LSU head coach Brian Kelly informed the school to fulfill its contractual obligation by paying him the full $53 million buyout from his contract after he was fired by the school, LSU has now filed legal paperwork alleging Kelly was removed “for cause,” which it says would avoid it paying out the second-largest buyout in college sports history. FOS reporter Amanda Christovich tells Baker Machado how the buyout settlement talks escalated to this point.
Meanwhile, as the “Fire Nico” chants by disgruntled fans grew louder, the Mavericks finally relieved embattled GM Nico Harrison of his duties. FOS reporter Colin Salao explains why the struggling team finally decided to part ways with its controversial front-office leader after he infamously traded star Luka Dončić to the Lakers nine months ago.
Plus, NFL offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum joins the show to highlight the importance of our military community this Veterans Day and how his current team, the Cardinals, continues to remember heroes like Pat Tillman to this day.
There are risks when investing in ETFs, including possible loss of money. ETFs’ risks are similar to those of stocks. Investments in the tech sector are subject to greater risk and more volatility than more diversified investments. The Nasdaq-100 Index® includes the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq. An investment cannot be made directly into an index. Consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. Visit Invesco.com for a prospectus with this information. Read it carefully before investing. Invesco Distributors, Inc.
Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been indicted for their involvement in a pitch-rigging gambling scheme, and each could face up to 65 years. Entertainment and sports attorney Dan Lust joins Baker Machado to explain this situation and how leagues and sportsbook operators could respond, especially after the recent arrests of Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Heat guard Terry Rozier for other gambling charges.Plus, Donald Trump wants the Commanders to name their new $3.7 billion stadium after him, but he was met with intense boos from Washington fans before later appearing on Fox's broadcast of Lions-Commanders. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher explains the likelihood of the president getting his wish, while FOS Tuned In columnist Michael McCarthy assesses Trump's time in the booth alongside Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma.Also, we are joined by former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder, who reacts to Giants coach Brian Daboll's firing, explains the importance of investing in backup quarterbacks, and compares Jonathan Taylor's MVP case to former teammate Adrian Peterson's back in 2012—the last time a non-quarterback won the award.
There are risks when investing in ETFs, including possible loss of money. ETFs’ risks are similar to those of stocks. Investments in the tech sector are subject to greater risk and more volatility than more diversified investments. The Nasdaq-100 Index® includes the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq. An investment cannot be made directly into an index. Consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. Visit Invesco.com for a prospectus with this information. Read it carefully before investing. Invesco Distributors, Inc.
The NFL is having one of its strongest seasons in decades as ratings hit historic highs in the United States and abroad. From massive viewership for Chiefs-Bills to the league’s London, Germany, and Madrid expansion push, the NFL continues to build global momentum. Front Office Sports newsletter writer David Rumsey breaks down why this season is rewriting the record books and how the Cowboys-Chiefs Thanksgiving matchup could challenge all-time regular-season viewership. Meanwhile, FOS reporter Colin Salao details the relationship and actions between Congress and NBA commissioner Adam Silver over the sports betting scandal.
Plus, college football is entering one of the wildest coaching cycles in years, with buyouts approaching $200 million for this season alone. Former Penn State assistant coach and current trustee Jay Paterno joins us to explain why the transfer portal, NIL (name, image, and likeness) era, fan impatience, and massive contracts are reshaping the sport. He also shares insight into Penn State’s coaching future, the challenge of defining success in modern college football, and how potential congressional action could change the NCAA’s future.
There are risks when investing in ETFs, including possible loss of money. ETFs’ risks are similar to those of stocks. Investments in the tech sector are subject to greater risk and more volatility than more diversified investments. The Nasdaq-100 Index® includes the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq. An investment cannot be made directly into an index. Consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. Visit Invesco.com for a prospectus with this information. Read it carefully before investing. Invesco Distributors, Inc.
ESPN is folding ESPN Bet and "winding down" its partnership with Penn Entertainment after failing to pace their lofty market-share goals. FOS media and entertainment reporter Ryan Glasspiegel has the latest on this failed experiment and what it means for the sports betting industry.
Plus, women's sports reporter Annie Costabile talks through former WNBA MVP and current union president Nneka Ogwumike signing with the Project B women's basketball league, and what this says about the W's ongoing labor discussions.
Also, Stephen A. Smith gets ripped for his sketchy solitaire partnership, Rico Dowdle starts a hilarious GoFundMe campaign, and a college basketball team loses by 90 points to avoid a big fine.
YouTube TV continues its standoff against Disney with no end in sight, according to FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher. He joins Baker Machado to explain why this saga is dragging out far longer than previous disputes between YouTube and other major providers like Fox and NBC.
Meanwhile, FOS reporter Alex Schiffer joins to discuss the NFL trade deadline and how some hungry owners capitalized on it, including Jerry Jones and new Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon.
Plus, FGCU college basketball player Brandon Dwyer talks about his "Road to 1 Point" social media campaign and what's next after scoring his first six points at the college level for his social media audience of nearly 2 million. Pelicans rookie Derik Queen also tells us what it's like to guard Victor Wembanyama.
Also, Tom Brady clones his dog, LIV Golf gets a format refresh, and Venus Williams is back.
There are risks when investing in ETFs, including possible loss of money. ETFs’ risks are similar to those of stocks. Investments in the tech sector are subject to greater risk and more volatility than more diversified investments. The Nasdaq-100 Index® includes the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq. An investment cannot be made directly into an index. Consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. Visit Invesco.com for a prospectus with this information. Read it carefully before investing. Invesco Distributors, Inc.
Steve Ballmer was added to a 133-page lawsuit that claims Ballmer used the company to pay Kawhi Leonard and circumvent the NBA’s salary cap. Front Office Sports's Colin Salao explains what's next. Meanwhile, reporter Margaret Fleming takes us inside another NBA financial scandal in which a former Atlanta Hawks employee embezzled $3.8 million of the team's money for personal use, including the purchase of a Porsche.
Plus, the college basketball season has begun, but faces an uphill battle without a clear-cut "face of the season" like Cooper Flagg was last year, says FOS writer David Rumsey. Meanwhile, gambling concerns loom in the background. Amanda Christovich has the latest there.
Also, Ja Morant and the Grizzlies could be headed for divorce, the Stars are set to play a Stadium Series game in AT&T Stadium, and we look for answers about Michael Jordan's role with NBC.
Watch the full episode here.There are risks when investing in ETFs, including possible loss of money. ETFs’ risks are similar to those of stocks. Investments in the tech sector are subject to greater risk and more volatility than more diversified investments. The Nasdaq-100 Index® includes the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq. An investment cannot be made directly into an index. Consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. Visit Invesco.com for a prospectus with this information. Read it carefully before investing. Invesco Distributors, Inc.
After a disappointing home loss to Kentucky over the weekend, Auburn fired head coach Hugh Freeze, buying out the remaining $15.8 million on his contract and raising the total buyouts in college football this season to nearly $186 million. FOS reporter David Rumsey explains why 25% of the head coaching jobs in the SEC are currently open and how dominant the conference will be in the first CFP rankings released this week.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers' Game 7 win in the World Series didn't just give MLB its first repeat winner in 25 years, but also delivered the league its highest-rated World Series game since 2017. FOS writer Eric Fisher breaks down the historic numbers and previews the upcoming MLB offseason, which has plenty of big names entering free agency.
Plus, it’s yet another season of drama for the Grizzlies and star Ja Morant, who was suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team. FOS reporter Colin Salao discusses whether the Grizzlies attempt to move on from their star, plus joins host Baker Machado to chat about the other big headlines in the FOS Watercolor.
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?
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