Soccer superstar Gareth Bale and his investment group have been in talks to buy League One club Cardiff City FC. The Welsh all-time leader in international caps and goals, also weighs in on the FIFA Club World Cup, 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup, Premier League, MLS as a retirement league, and other soccer topics from around the big slate of tournaments. Plus, two of the biggest names in boxing, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, take the ring at Madison Square Garden in the final chapter of their tril...
Jul 11, 2025•25 min
Major League Baseball’s Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system that's been tested in the minor leagues and spring training is ready to make its big league debut at the All-Star game next Tuesday in Atlanta. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher explains how the technology will be used to challenge ball-strike calls and why some pitchers are on the fence about its presence. Plus MLBPA union leaders say commissioner Rob Manfred is pushing for a salary cap in his meetings with players ahead of what will be...
Jul 10, 2025•25 min
Fresh off its box office success of the film F1, Apple is reportedly in talks to acquire U.S. broadcast rights for Formula One racing when they become available next year after ESPN's exclusive window to negotiate a new contract will expire. FOS’s “Tuned In” writer Michael McCarthy explains how much the tech giant might pay for the racing rights and why F1 would fit seamlessly into Apple’s growing collection of sports, including MLB and MLS. Plus, a big shake-up at Red Bull as team president Chr...
Jul 09, 2025•25 min
As one of 10 states where sports gambling is still not legal, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a recent legal filing that draft and pick’em-style daily fantasy games could be considered sports betting and therefore illegal in the state. While companies like DraftKings that have operated in the state for 13 years say fantasy contests involve skill and should not be considered gambling, FOS deals reporter Ben Horney tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington the legal aspects of the fil...
Jul 08, 2025•25 min
Less than a week has passed since NCAA Division I schools could start directly paying players, and we're already seeing historic deals across all sports. Five-star football offensive tackle Felix Ojo spurned offers from Texas and Ohio State to sign a historic, fully guaranteed three-year, $5.1 million revenue-sharing contract with Texas Tech. It is believed to be one of the largest agreements in college football history. Ojo's agents, Derrick Shelby, and Rashad Phillips of Prestige Management Gr...
Jul 07, 2025•25 min
On a special Saturday drop, we're bringing you a conversation from our Portfolio Players series. In the this episode of Portfolio Players, Presented by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley, FOS Editor-in-Chief Dan Roberts interviews Atlanta Falcons limited partner & venture capitalist Rashaun Williams. Rashaun talks about his investment strategy & how it led him to becoming a limited partner in the Atlanta Falcons ownership as well as investor in multiple NBA teams. In the interview, the Shark Ta...
Jul 05, 2025•32 min
The dust has settled after a wild start to NBA free agency, with insiders questioning the moves made by Milwaukee in dumping star Damian Lillard and replacing him with Myles Turner. Did the team do enough to keep star Giannis Antetokounmpo happy? Plus, after reportedly discussing a $42 million contract with the Pistons, Malik Beasley is in limbo as he faces a federal investigation over allegations of sports betting. FOS reporter Ben Horney details the latest in the investigation and why Beasley’...
Jul 02, 2025•25 min
The NBA’s official start to the offseason started with a bang, as teams could finally sign free agents and trade players. Some of the biggest moves include Oklahoma City signing MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a new supermax contract, the Nuggets making a big trade, and the Bucks shocking the NBA world by releasing star Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner away from the Pacers. Spotrac’s Keith Smith crunches the numbers and explains how these new deals will work under the league’s new salary cap a...
Jul 01, 2025•25 min
The WNBA will undergo major expansion to 18 teams by the end of the decade, announcing new teams in Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. They join new franchises in Portland and Toronto in 2026. FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile was at the news announcement and breaks down how NBA owners helped bring the new teams to the W. Plus, LeBron James opted in to the final year of his $52.6 million deal with the Lakers in what could be the final NBA contract for the lea...
Jun 30, 2025•25 min
The dust has settled from the NBA draft, and No. 5 pick Ace Bailey still doesn't seem that jazzed to be in Utah. Will the former Rutgers star even play for his new team, and what are his options if he doesn't show up? Also, which teams made great selections and which dropped the ball? ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks joins Baker Machado and Derryl Barnes to give his draft winners and losers, as well as answer whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will return to the Bucks next season. Plus, after th...
Jun 27, 2025•25 min
The first round of the NBA draft saw six trades, opposite crowd reactions for Adam Silver and Cooper Flagg, and Shams Charania (mostly) staying off social media to avoid spoilers for the broadcast. FOS multimedia reporter Derryl Barnes was at the draft, and he gives his thoughts on how the environment compares to the TV product. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher also discusses how draft-night trades impact the viewership experience for the fans. Plus, we are joined by Andrew Witlieb of Ace Baile...
Jun 26, 2025•25 min
The NBA draft is Wednesday night, and more trades are expected as teams sell off parts to navigate CBA restrictions and avoid the luxury tax. FOS reporter Colin Salao says the free-agency craze from the 2010s is something of the past, and because of that, drafting and trading players matter more than ever, especially in light of the Celtics trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis. Four-time NBA champ John Salley also joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to discuss the evolution of the dr...
Jun 25, 2025•25 min
The NBA offseason started with a bang as the Celtics began their roster strip down Monday night, but the real fireworks could come ahead of Wednesday's NBA draft. ESPN draft analyst Jay Bilas joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington with the latest insight on teams moving picks and players, the “new” two-day format that launched last year, and why Cooper Flagg could be the best freshman to ever come out of Duke. Plus, the NFL is attempting to cover up collusion against guaranteed contracts, acco...
Jun 24, 2025•25 min
The Thunder pulled off a Game 7 victory to win the NBA Finals, but their future could be even more exciting. FOS writer Colin Salao joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to discuss the OKC model that the rest of the league should be trying to emulate. On the other side, the Pacers face difficult decisions in the wake of Tyrese Haliburton's torn Achilles. With basketball fever rampant in Indiana behind the success of the Pacers and Fever, FOS reporter Alex Schiffer says the joint team ownershi...
Jun 23, 2025•25 min
The Lakers have new ownership incoming, with a valuation of $10 billion. How will it affect team operations going forward, and what does this record valuation mean for the rest of the league and sports world at large? FOS deals reporter Ben Horney joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain. Plus, the Finals have struggled from a ratings perspective, but if previous trends hold, Game 7 on Sunday could bring the boom that the league needs. Also, boxing promoter and Matchroom chairman Eddi...
Jun 20, 2025•25 min
The Florida Panthers completed their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final run in dominant fashion, thanks largely to savvy moves by their front office. But the formula to keep up their winning ways could get complicated in this offseason, says FOS editor Meredith Turits. Plus, NBA Meme King Josiah Johnson joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain how NBA Twitter has influenced the league's decisions, especially during these Finals, and how fake news account NBACentel factors into it al...
Jun 18, 2025•25 min
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has officially announced he will be stepping down in 2026 as Brian Rolapp, former NFL chief media officer, is set to take over. Will Rolapp accomplish what Monahan could not and complete the merger deal with LIV Golf? FOS reporter David Rumsey weighs in.Plus, baseball writer Joon Lee reveals dirty details behind the Red Sox' shocking decision to trade franchise cornerstone Rafael Devers, which includes a growing rift inside Boston's organization at the top level...
Jun 17, 2025•25 min
The Red Sox shocked the baseball world Sunday when they shipped top slugger Rafael Devers to the Giants in what some are calling MLB's Luka Dončić moment. Robert Murray, the insider who broke this story, joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain how this shocking trade came together and what's next for both teams. Plus, WNBA Hall of Famer Sylvia Fowles joins Front Office Sports Today just days after her induction, and she gives her take on the ongoing CBA discussions and the marketabil...
Jun 16, 2025•25 min
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s longtime rumored successor, Brian Rolapp (the architect of the NFL’s $111 billion in media deals), is jumping over to become the first-ever CEO of the PGA Tour. FOS reporter David Rumsey explains what Rolapp’s hiring means for future LIV/PGA Tour merger talks and if he still could eventually succeed Goodell for the NFL’s top job when Goodell decides to retire. Plus, Hornets legend Dell Curry joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to chat about his son Steph Cur...
Jun 13, 2025•24 min
Ahead of calling Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final and his 1,486th national game, TNT's Kenny Albert joins Baker Machado and Derryl Barnes on Front Office Sports Today to talk about passing his dad, Marv Albert, for second all-time in games called. He also weighs in on the Panthers' chance to repeat and keep their team together in the offseason—specifically their breakout star, Sam Bennett. Plus, Jeff Gordon talks about NASCAR's future and its rapid international expansion ahead of a Cup Series in...
Jun 12, 2025•24 min
With the FIFA Club World Cup beginning this weekend and the men’s FIFA World Cup a year away, host cities are locked in to preparation. Tim Zulawski of Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment Group tells our Baker Machado and Renee Washington how Atlanta is getting ready for the event, which is expected to generate more than $13 billion in revenue. FOS reporter Colin Salao also joins from Indiana ahead of the pivotal Game 3 of the NBA Finals as ratings plummet to their lowest since the COVID-19...
Jun 11, 2025•25 min
NFL mandatory minicamp has begun with a slew of stars holding out, including the league's top two sack leaders in TJ Watt and Trey Hendrickson. NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe joins Front Office Sports Today with what he's heard on the two edge rushers as well as Jalen Ramsey, Terry McLaurin and more. He also discusses the highly incentivized contract for new Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers. Plus, new Ravens receiver DeAndre Hopkins joins the show to discuss his expectations for playing alongside L...
Jun 10, 2025•25 min
The pivotal House v. NCAA settlement was approved Friday and will usher in a new era of NIL (name, image, and likeness) and collegiate athletics at large. FOS college sports reporter Amanda Christovich joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain the ruling's effect on schools and athletes. Plus, tennis writer Giri Nathan joins to discuss the instant-classic French Open final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, why it signifies the official change of eras for tennis, and how Sinner'...
Jun 09, 2025•25 min
The previous matchup between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky set a ratings record as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese got into it. But even with Clark not suiting up for Indiana this weekend, Chicago still hopes to set an attendance record when it hosts the Fever at the Bulls' United Center for the rematch. FOS reporter Colin Salao will be at the game and tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington what to anticipate.Plus, former NFL linebacker Brandon Copeland gives advice on the new world of NIL (...
Jun 06, 2025•25 min
After owning the White Sox for almost 50 years, chairman Jerry Reinsdorf says he plans to sell the controlling interest in the baseball team to the Ishbia family after 2029. And MLB commissioner Rob Manfred says robo umps might get called up to the big leagues in 2026. FOS’s Eric Fisher explains how the automated ball-strike system would work next season. Plus, NBA reporter Jared Greenberg joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to preview Game 1 of the Finals between the Thunder and Pacers, Ty...
Jun 05, 2025•25 min
The Knicks are the talk of the town after they fired coach Tom Thibodeau after their best season in 25 years. So whom might owner James Dolan replace him with? And could this be Doris Burke’s and Richard Jefferson’s first and only season on ESPN’s primary NBA play-by-play team? FOS reporter Ryan Glasspiegel discusses who could replace them. Plus, Stephen A. Smith gets a new show that won’t be about sports, and hockey commentator Jeff Marek joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to preview the ...
Jun 04, 2025•25 min
Behind the pitching of its $1 million transfer NiJaree Canady, Texas Tech softball ended the powerhouse Oklahoma Sooners’ season Monday night. FOS reporter Amanda Christovich joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington on FOS Today to explain the NIL arms race and how the House v. NCAA settlement could throw a wrench in it. Plus, Bussin' With the Boys co-creator and host Will Compton explains his decision to leave Barstool for FanDuel, why it makes sense for some NFL players to retire early, and ho...
Jun 03, 2025•25 min
After 35 years, TNT has officially bid adieu to the NBA, with NBC and Amazon Prime Video taking over the network’s coverage next season. So what will Inside the NBA look like now that it moves to ESPN? FOS Tuned In reporter Mike McCarthy joins the show to chat about how Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley will coexist alongside Scott Van Pelt and other ESPN personalities. Plus, is Paul George responsible for both the Pacers and Thunder making the NBA Finals? Baker Machado and Renee Washington b...
Jun 02, 2025•25 min
Owen Wilson and Peter Dager make their Front Office Sports debut to chat about their new show on Apple TV+, Stick. It's a heartfelt, feel-good sports comedy about a found family and their relationships set within the world of golf as it has never been shown before. Plus, Roger Bennett of Men in Blazers joins Renee Washington and Baker Machado to talk Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup, while FOS reporter Colin Salao joins the conversation to discuss the controversy around the promotion of ...
May 30, 2025•25 min
A 12-time gold medalist, Michael Johnson joins Front Office Sports Today to discuss the upcoming Philadelphia Slam and securing better salaries for track athletes. Could we see bigger names join the league in the near future? Plus, Candace Parker is having her jersey retired not once, but twice, while MLB spends big money investing in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League ahead of its inaugural season beginning in June. 📈 Don’t miss tomorrow’s top stories in the business and culture of sports ...
May 29, 2025•25 min
