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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 hosts, Baker and Renee as they offer insightful commentary on breaking news and engage in conversations surrounding the biggest headlines, with guest appearances from athletes, executives, experts and more.
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MLB’s division series begin this weekend, and TNT's Brian Anderson is on the call for arguably the most compelling series between the Dodgers and the Phillies. Anderson is also the regular-season play-by-play caller for the Cinderella-story Brewers, who have major question marks in the postseason despite winning a league-best 97 games this year. Anderson joins Baker Machado and Dan Roberts to discuss this weekend’s matchups, including Shohei Ohtani's first playoff start.
Plus, one of the NCAA's most exciting running backs, Jeremiyah Love, joins the show. He discusses the 2–2 start for the Fighting Irish, the school’s independent status, and his ideal College Football Playoff format. Love shares his views on NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals, including his latest with Samsung as a part of Team Galaxy.
We also hear from Trysta Krick, WNBA analyst and cofounder of The Daily W, on what she's following as the WNBA Finals tip off Friday amid a week of intense player criticism of commissioner Cathy Engelbert and league leadership. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark is not playing in Unrivaled, Grand Slam Track lives to see another day, and Jon Gruden gets a victory against the NFL.
Key Moments:
0:42 - Clark not joining unrivaled, Grand Slam Track saved, a win in for Gruden4:51 - MLB breakdowns with TNT's Brian Anderson16:07 - Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love25:03 - NBA and WNBA analyst Trista Kryck32:27 - NBC Sports Network is back
Major League Baseball has to be thrilled with how the wild-card postseason has shaped up, as three of the four matchups head to a decisive win-or-go-home Game 3 on Thursday. Coming off record season viewership and attendance, FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher explains how the revamped postseason initiated a couple of years ago has only cemented what has been a tremendous 2025 season for MLB and commissioner Rob Manfred.
Plus, Recentive Analytics CEO Andy Tabrizi explains how his data company helped advise MLB in scheduling the best postseason matchups to maximize their broadcast viewership.
Also, women's golf legend Annika Sörenstam joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to chat about the continued fan fallout from the Ryder Cup, plus the future of the LPGA and where she sees her sport compared to the rising interest in other female-led sports.
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier was relentless in her exit interview, ripping the WNBA for having "the worst leadership in the world." She also revealed damning comments WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said to her in an offseason conversation, including that Caitlin Clark should be “grateful she makes $16 million off the court, because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.” As WNBA collective bargaining negotiations continue to push the Oct. 31 deadline, Engelbert's long-term future with the league is in serious doubt. FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to interpret and contextualize Collier's comments, and explain what it could mean for her Unrivaled league, Engelbert, and the WNBA as a whole.
Plus, YouTube TV loses Univision and D.C.'s Monumental Sports Network amid a carriage dispute, while reaching a temporary agreement with NBC to avoid a service disruption during a packed weekend of football. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher has the latest on this saga and its larger implications for regional sports networks.
Key Moments:
0:35 - WNBA's big day, Kerr & Warriors future, Ryder Cup viewership bombs4:38 - Collier rips WNBA: how we got here15:08 - Collier's comments: what happens next?17:48 - Youtube TV loses Univision and Monumental15:08 - Yankees' regional ticketing strategy
Kawhi Leonard addressed the media for the first time since news of his allegedly shady deal with Aspiration broke, telling reporters that he "don't deal with conspiracies or the clickbait analyst or journalism that’s going on.” Meanwhile, Clippers president Lawrence Frank gave cryptic-sounding answers when he was asked point-blank whether Leonard's agent asked for illegal benefits as a part of his latest deal. FOS editor-in-chief Dan Roberts joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to evaluate the Clippers’ responses, while Pablo Torre continues to unveil new information about this scandal.
Plus, NHL legend Mark Messier talks through the NHL season, which begins next week, as the Florida Panthers aim for the coveted three-peat, with a potential assist from Florida's lack of state tax. Messier also explains the evolution of the league, including the success of the 4 Nations Face-Off and changes to the CBA that will add extra games and reduce contract lengths.
Also, FOS college sports reporter Amanda Christovich explains the new SAFE Act, a counter to the SCORE Act, which is currently stalled in the House. Meanwhile, MLB managers get canned, and the WNBA levies major fines against coaches who spoke out about officiating issues.
Major League Baseball's playoff picture shows that money isn't everything, as five teams with payroll rankings at or below 15th qualified for the postseason, while the high-spending Mets and their $765 million man, Juan Soto, missed out entirely. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to assess the playoff field, the wild-card matchups, and where Steve Cohen's Mets go from here.
Plus, former LPGA star Michelle Wie West reacts to the controversial Ryder Cup that saw American fans berate Rory McIlroy during Team Europe's victory. West gives her take on the exciting finish, the behavior of fans, and Team USA captain Keegan Bradley's decision not to play. She also explains why the LPGA hasn't yet caught up to other women's sports leagues.
Also, ESPN's Maria Marino is impressed with the Phoenix Mercury's run to the WNBA Finals, but she understands there is a growing refereeing problem in the W. She explains the discourse around the contentious series finish between the Mercury and Minnesota Lynx.
Key Moments:
0:39 - Micah's anticlimactic return, Bad Bunny to perform Super Bowl, Nabers controversial injury5:00 - MLB Postseason set; big money teams miss10:13 - Former LPGA Player Michelle Wie West joins FOS Today18:09 - ESPN host Maria Marino on WNBA reffing problem
The NFL is all set for its first-ever Dublin game this weekend. It’s one of seven international contests this season, the most of any season so far. Jason Bell of Sky Sports, which is broadcasting the game internationally, joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to set the scene in Ireland and give his thoughts on what an international Super Bowl could look like.
Plus, Paul “Hembo” Hembekides of ESPN walks us through scenarios for the MLB playoff picture, and he says that the last month of baseball has been Rob Manfred's dream come true. Hembo also gives his MVP pick in a close race between Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh in the American League.
Also, we hear from NWSL player Brianna Pinto on the new all-Black combine, President Donald Trump threatens the World Cup, and Rob Pelinka addresses LeBron James's future.
Key moments:
0:40 - Trump threatens World Cup, Redick and Lebron's futures, more MLB on Netflix
4:49 - NFL in Dublin preview with Sky Sports's Jason Bell
9:54 - MLB season wrap with ESPN's Paul Hembekides
17:40 - NWSL player Brianna Pinto
22:05 - World Cup mascots reaction
The Ryder Cup officially begins Friday, but fans are already showing up in a big way ... maybe too big of a way. FOS newsletter writer David Rumsey joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington live from Bethpage Black to set the scene and assess how the tournament will look different with 50,000 rowdy New York fans, especially when President Donald Trump arrives Friday. He also explains the event's new "free" food and drinks initiative.
Plus, Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson and president of business operations Shelly Cayette reveal their expectations for this season and the next era of Charlotte basketball after Michael Jordan sold the team in 2023. Peterson also gives his side of the failed trade of Mark Williams to the Lakers, and explains what success looks like for star LaMelo Ball this season.
Also, UNC is dealing with a lawsuit that alleges foul play in its hiring of Bill Belichick, Tom Brady says there is no conflict of interest between his broadcasting and Raiders ownership, and the Savannah Bananas sell out arenas that some MLB teams have not.
MLB is officially adopting its automated ball-strike system, also known as "robot umps," for challenges. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher spoke to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred about the ABS system last week and joins to explain how this new technology will impact baseball.
Plus, U.S. women’s national team stars Sam and Kristie Mewis join to discuss changes to women's soccer, including massive transfer fees, new combines for players, and the potential expansion of the World Cup to 64 teams. They also give a sneak peek into Mewis Squared, their new show that debuts Friday for The Women's Game, part of the Men in Blazers Media Network.
Also, new Trail Blazers minority owners could have their acquisition blocked, Ace Bailey fires his controversial manager, and a college basketball icon retires.
Key Moments
0:39 - NFL media rights, Mike Gundy fired, Bailey fires manager
5:50- MLB to officially adopt "robo umps" for challenges
10:09 - Sam and Kristie Mewis join FOST
18:12 - Blazers sale drama: inside ongoing lawsuit
22:24 - Sister Jean retires
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been criticized for trying to negotiate directly with Micah Parsons rather than his agent, but Parsons is just the latest Cowboy to experience this tactic. Dallas legend Emmitt Smith joins the show and recalls his own contract talks with Jerry Jones in the 1990s, which "some people would call collusion." He also weighs in on the scandal-ridden NFL Players Association and says he'd be interested in taking a leadership position.
Plus, Tim Tebow joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to discuss the new era of college football, the pressure athletes face, and why it's more important than ever for them to get involved in their community off the field.
Also, we discuss the biggest storylines in the last week of MLB's regular season, the New York Liberty firing their head coach just one year after winning the WNBA championship, and Bruce Pearl stepping down as Auburn's head coach.
Key Moments
0:33 - Liberty Fires Head Coach, Paige Bueckers Joins Unrivaled, Bruce Pearl's Retirement4:52- Around the diamond: MLB's final week10:10 - Former Cowboys RB Emmitt Smith joins the show18:08 - Former Heisman winner Tim Tebow assesses the NIL era
ESPN and the NFL agreed to a historic deal last month, but sources tell Front Office Sports’s Michael McCarthy that Disney bringing Jimmy Kimmel back on the air could have potential impacts on that deal. McCarthy joins to explain this complicated situation.
Plus, former Eagles Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to discuss the impressive 3–0 starts for his former teams the Eagles and Colts, thanks to Jalen Hurts and Daniel Jones, respectively. Foles also gives his take on the Tush Push, the five backup quarterbacks who started Sunday, and fantasy football.
Also, we are joined by Professional Bull Riders champion José Vitor Leme, also known as the "Michael Jordan of bull riding." Leme takes us through his season and how PBR is changing over time to attract new audiences.
Key Moments
:21 - Aja Wilson makes history
5:21 - Jimmy Kimmel or NFL?
10:31 - Nick Foles on the Eagles
18:12 - PBR's Jose Vitor Leme
22:09 - Michael Chicklis stops by FOS Today
Pablo Torre joins FOS Today guest hosts Dan Roberts and Annie Costabile for an in-depth discussion on Pablo's investigation into payments given to Clippers star Kawhi Leonard by Aspiration. Pablo takes us inside the investigation to discuss how things are progressing, the response to his reporting, and the public reaction.
Plus, we are joined by FOS senior media reporter Michael McCarthy to discuss the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and what that means for Stephen A. Smith.
Key Moments:
0:41 - Fever in the Semis, Tom Brady and his involvement in the Raiders
3:31 - Pablo Torre joins FOS Today
18:51 - A window for Stephen A. Smith?
23:07 - WNBA Paige Bueckers, Rookie of the Year
The NFL's first YouTube broadcast brought in an audience of 17.3 million. That fell below most analysts’ expectations,, but according to studio host Kay Adams, the broadcast was still a major success. She joins the show to explain what went into pulling off the Brazil game, the secret sauce of Up & Adams, and where the creator industry is heading.
Plus, Greg Olsen joined Baker Machado and Renee Washington at Front Office Sports's Tuned In summit earlier this week. Olsen takes us through one of the greatest games he's ever called, and has a message for LeBron James about the NBA and NFL competing for viewers on Christmas Day.
Also, the $3.8 billion Commanders stadium deal has been approved despite President Donald Trump's threats, the NCAA ends its spring transfer portal window, and Josh Allen has a wholesome collaboration with New Era.
Front Office Sports held its second annual Tuned In sports media summit on Tuesday, headlined by commissioners, media executives, and major talent in the business of sports. In this episode, Baker Machado and Renee Washington are joined by Adam Silver, Rob Manfred, Kim Ng, Jimmy Pitaro, Stephen A. Smith, and Maria Taylor, who all give their candid thoughts on the evolution of sports media and how it affects their leagues, companies, and jobs.
Watch the full episode here.
We are less than 24 hours away from the biggest media event of the year, as Adam Silver, Rob Manfred, Stephen A. Smith, Clay Travis, and more are set to speak at Front Office Sports’s Tuned In summit. FOS media and entertainment reporter Ryan Glasspiegel joins us ahead of the event to explain which storylines he will focus on.
Plus, we are joined by former Eagles and Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery on the heels of Philadelphia's victory over the Chiefs in the Super Bowl LIX rematch, in which the Birds used the controversial Tush Push seven times. Jeffery gives his thoughts on the league's decision to keep the play legal, the early struggles of the Bears, and how the NFL Players Association should move forward after its latest scandals.
Also, St. Louis Cardinals legend Adam Wainwright joins the show for a September baseball check-in as the wild-card race heats up.
KEY MOMENTS:
0:40 - Burrow's injury, CFB coaches fired, Crawford-Alvarez5:13- Tuned In in media summit: what to watch for10:00 - Former NFL receiver Alshon Jeffery joins the show17:50 - Former pitcher Adam Wainwright joins the show
The Wall Street Journal reported that, after finalizing its new merger, the newly formed Paramount Skydance is “preparing a majority cash bid” to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, home to TNT Sports, TBS, and the HBO Max streaming service. FOS media and entertainment reporter Ryan Glasspiegel has the latest on the merger talks and how the combined sports properties of CBS and TNT Sports could rival that of ESPN.
Meanwhile, fresh off his exit from Fox Sports, former NFL player Emmanuel Acho tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington how he felt blindsided by FS1 canceling his show The Facility and having only 54 days before the start of the NFL season to build a new digital postgame show, Speakeasy, alongside former Fox colleague LeSean “Shady” McCoy.
And it’s a big weekend ahead for the Premier Lacrosse League, as the 2025 U.S. Bank Championship heads to New Jersey to see the New York Atlas take on the Denver Outlaws for the title. PLL cofounder and president Paul Rabil talks about the upcoming championship, the Women's Lacrosse League expanding to a full season with the playoffs starting in 2026, and his new ESPN broadcast deal.
Key Moments:
0:34 - WNBA playoffs set, Orioles search for new GM, Eagles/Chiefs could set NFL ratings record
5:18 - Rumored merger between Paramount and Warner Bros
11:14 - Emmanuel Acho joins the show
19:39 - Premier Lacrosse League Co-Founder Paul Rabil chats PLL Championship
Adam Silver spoke to media members Wednesday about a number of topics, including the ongoing investigation into the Clippers for their alleged circumvention of the salary cap to re-sign Kawhi Leonard. FOS reporter Alex Schiffer joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington with the latest from Silver, and yet another damning update from Pablo Torre.
Plus, we are joined in studio by former MLS and USMNT player Jozy Altidore, who gives his thoughts on whether the USMNT is ready for the biggest stage, and whether the country is ready to host this massive event. Also a part of the Bills’ ownership group, Altidore tells us why the team is focused on developing a Canadian fan base.
Also, the WNBA playoff picture is set, Kirill Kaprizov rejects what would've been the largest contract in NHL history, and tennis star Andy Murray wants to ... golf?
Description: The NFL delivered some of its best ratings ever for Week 1, despite going head-to-head against the US Open final—which also had its best TV performance in 10 years and likely its best attendance ever. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher gives context to the big numbers in both football and tennis, and what it means for other major sports trying to go up against the NFL.
Plus, Front Office Sports Today is joined by Owen Hanson, also known as the “Cocaine Quarterback,” who went from being a walk-on for Pete Carroll's champion USC team to a kingpin for the Mexican drug cartel. Hanson opens up with his story and explains how NIL could've changed everything.
Also, Cllct founder Darren Rovell believes he has the greatest piece of signed memorabilia ever, NBA commissioner Adam Silver addresses the media, and Bill Belichick loses a legal battle.
Key Moments
0:35 - Adam Silver Speaks, NCAA Gambling Suspension, Unrivaled Expansion
4:52- Ratings Revival: NFL and US Open See Big Results
10:18 - USC To The Cartel: The Story of Owen Hanson
18:29 - HOF '25 Poster: "Greatest Signed Piece of All Time"
23:30 - Trademark office denies 4 applications filed by Belichick and Jordan Hudson
Week 1 of the NFL season featured four great primetime games, but ratings for Friday night's Brazil contest seriously underdelivered. FOS columnist Mike McCarthy joins Renee Washington and Ben Horney to weigh in on whether the NFL needs to stay in its Monday/Thursday/Sunday lane, and assess second-year Tom Brady, Eli and Peyton's ManningCast, and the new age of RedZone that includes commercials.
Plus, longtime SportsCenter host Stan Verrett is launching a new show on Twitch with Neil Everett, his partner on the ESPN desk for the past 15 years. Verrett joins Front Office Sports Today to explain his decision to move from broadcast to live streaming, what caused the massive boom in the creator-led media landscape, and why SportsCenter is out of its heyday.
Also, Backyard Football ’99 launches today, Tiger Woods is hitting golf balls again, and the Clippers scandal sees another interesting wrinkle.
Key Moments
0:48 - PTI Hosts Extented, Clippers Scandal Updates, Bears' New Stadium
4:25 - Tuned In: NFL Week 1 Media Roundup
9:48 - SportsCenter To Twitch: Stan Verrett's Next Chapter
18:42 - Backyard Football '99 is Back!
23:19 - Tiger Woods taking swings
Jake Paul is ready for his next big Netflix match, this one against reigning WBA world champ Gervonta “Tank” Davis on Nov. 14 in Atlanta. How ready? "I'm more athletic and stronger, and I'm going to be able to knock him out." Paul also tells Baker Machado that Mike Tyson’s exhibition match against Floyd Mayweather Jr. will be “boring” and responds to claims his “Most Valuable Promotions” has saved women's boxing. Paul is joined by business partner Joey Levy, cofounder and CEO of gaming and sportsbook platform Betr, to also chat about the new updated features on the platform for the football season.
Meanwhile, a wild NFL opening week saw big wins by the Packers, Bills, and Steelers. FOS reporter David Rumsey breaks down the lower-than-expected viewership numbers for the YouTube game in Brazil, the inaugural use of the NFL’s new Hawk-Eye first-down technology,, and viewers getting their first look at commercials on NFL RedZone.
And the only college football program that has beaten two ranked teams, the University of South Florida, is now the only non-power conference school in the AP Top 25 poll. FOS reporter Amanda Christovich explains how USF beat a Florida Gators team with an athletic budget half the size, plus the Michigan-Oklahoma battle that featured the No. 1 transfer in John Mateer vs. the No. 1 recruit in Bryce Underwood.
The 2025 US Open concludes this weekend, and despite players complaining about crowd noise, the matches have been exceptional on both the men's and women's sides. ESPN's Pam Maldonado joins Baker Machado and Derryl Barnes to talk through the women's semifinals results, tonight's highly anticipated (and expensive) matchup between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, and the impressive runs for Amanda Anisimova and Naomi Osaka.
Plus, the NFL heads back to Brazil on Friday night for Chiefs-Chargers, which will broadcast for free on YouTube. Chiefs legend Priest Holmes joins the show to give his thoughts on Kansas City becoming the "world's team," and how the NFL Players Association should handle its next chapter after being littered with scandal and corruption.
Also, we get an update on Steve Ballmer's alleged secret deal with Kawhi Leonard, Caitlin Clark announces she is out for the rest of the season, and Mike Tyson is set to fight Floyd Mayweather.
Key Moments:
00:28 - Dak & Carter's 'Spitgate', Catilin Clark out for season, Tyson & Mayweather to fight
04:15- ESPN's Pam Maldonado on US Open
09:56 - NFL and Chiefs legend Priest Holmes
17:43 - Ballmer scandal updates
21:41 - Most expensive ticket this weekend
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