Front Office Sports Today

Front Office Sports

Sports is big business. Here's your daily brief.
Front Office Sports Today is your morning briefing on the deals, decisions and cultural moments shaping the industry. Hosted by Baker Machado, with reporting from the Front Office Sports newsroom.
Weekdays in under 12 minutes, ready at 6 a.m. ET. Plus longform conversations throughout the week with athletes, analysts, and executives shaping the game.
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20 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes20

Newest first

Friday · 14 min
7/31/26 - UEFA’s FIFA Boycott, LeBron’s ‘Last Dance’ Doc, Tush Push Stays
UEFA and CONCACAF both reject FIFA’s private investment plan LeBron and ESPN nearing a “Last Dance”–style documentary deal NBA cancels Middle East preseason games amid Iran conflict NFL has no plans to crack down on the Tush Push WNBA deletes video of Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese betting on a game Make sure to subscribe and follow Front Office Sports across socials to stay up-to-date on the latest conversations around the business of sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thursday · 12 min
7/30/26 - USMNT Nearing Pochettino Return, FIFA Draws UEFA Criticism, Yankees and Knicks to DAZN
Mauricio Pochettino close to a four-year USMNT extension for 2030 World Cup Macklin Celebrini sets a new NHL salary record at age 20 F1 may move its season finale out of the Middle East over Iran War Yankees and Knicks are ditching Gotham app for DAZN FIFA's $20B commercial plan draws a UEFA boycott threat Make sure to subscribe and follow Front Office Sports across socials to stay up-to-date on the latest conversations around the business of sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wednesday · 13 min
7/29/26 - FIFA's $20B Profit Machine, Record NCAA Jersey Patch Deals, LIV Golf Cancels Another Event
FIFA plans to launch new $20 billion subsidiary Ohio State and Notre Dame land historic jersey patch deals NFL owners quietly discuss Roger Goodell successors Steve Smith lands a recurring role across ESPN programming LIV Golf cancels another event with only two remaining for the year Make sure to subscribe and follow Front Office Sports across socials to stay up-to-date on the latest conversations around the business of sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tuesday · 12 min
7/28/26 - 76ers’ Huge TV Boost, UNC GM Investigation, Stanford’s Unionization Process
LeBron’s effect on the 76ers’ national TV schedule UNC’s top-paid college football GM placed on leave Democrats summon Infantino over FIFA-Trump relationship Stanford athletes take first steps in collective bargaining process Make sure to subscribe and follow Front Office Sports across socials to stay up-to-date on the latest conversations around the business of sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Monday · 14 min
7/27/26 - LeBron’s 76ers Decision, WNBA Officiating Overhaul, Michigan AD Buyout
LeBron James decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers WNBA invests tens of millions in a new replay center WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert's future remains uncertain Michigan pays AD Warde Manuel over $7 million to leave College basketball rosters now cost at least $10 million Make sure to subscribe and follow Front Office Sports across socials to stay up-to-date on the latest conversations around the business of sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 24 · 13 min
7/24/26 - Mark Cuban Buys Into A's, Raiders Sign Mendoza, Sophie Cunningham's Meteoric Rise
Lane Kiffin regrets his messy Ole Miss departure Raiders lock up top pick Fernando Mendoza for $57M Mark Cuban joins the Athletics' ownership group as minority investor ESPN launches a new college football talk show featuring Josh Pate Sophie Cunningham adds millions of social followers in just one month Make sure to subscribe and follow Front Office Sports across socials to stay up-to-date on the latest conversations around the business of sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 23 · 13 min
A Conversation with Chris Bosh on LeBron's Next Team, Athlete Contract Taxes, and Returning to Court for Charity
Chris Bosh joins Dan Roberts of Front Office Sports to discuss: • Why he thinks LeBron James should go to Miami and team up with Giannis • His health update and the growing awareness of blood clots in the NBA • His return to the court for the USA Basketball & RX3 charity 3-on-3 tournament • NBA expansion to Seattle and Vegas and Europe and what it means for the game • Why former NBA players are right to warn young athletes about contract money • NIL in college sports and whether he felt like he missed out at Georgia Tech CHAPTERS 0:00 Chris Bosh Health Update and the Blood Clot Awareness Conversation in the NBA 1:29 The RX3 USA Basketball Tournament and the Aaron Rodgers Connection 3:34 Where Does LeBron James Go: Why Bosh Says Miami Makes the Most Sense 5:15 Is LeBron Chasing a Title or Just Living His Best Life Now 6:01 NBA Expansion to Seattle Vegas and Europe: What Chris Bosh Thinks 8:14 Why NBA Players Are Right to Warn Young Athletes About Big Contracts 10:09 NIL in College Sports and Whether He Missed Out Playing at Georgia Tech 11:55 Would He Ever Take an Unofficial GM Role at Georgia Tech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 23 · 12 min
7/23/26 - SEC Breakaway Talks, Bezos Eyes Liverpool, Miami’s LeBron Error
SEC commissioner says breakaway from NCAA is being discussed Jeff Bezos linked to a Liverpool ownership stake Heat accidentally post link to LeBron introductory press conference Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark, and Derrick Rose named NBA 2K27 cover athletes Pat McAfee announces his debut music album Make sure to subscribe and follow Front Office Sports across socials to stay up-to-date on the latest conversations around the business of sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 22 · 13 min
7/22/26 - World Cup Final Ratings, ESPN Layoffs, LeBron Waits, WFAN to SiriusXM
World Cup Final draws nearly 40 million viewers on Fox; most watched soccer match in U.S. history ESPN cuts 10+ on-air talent in major layoffs Rich Paul says LeBron won't rush decision on where he plays next WFAN and 22 local sports radio stations head to SiriusXM Aaron Rodgers reunites with estranged family before final season Make sure to subscribe and follow Front Office Sports across socials to stay up-to-date on the latest conversations around the business of sports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 21 · 12 min
A Conversation with Jake Paul on Women's Sports, Prediction Markets & $100M Investment Fund
Jake Paul and Geoff Woo join Dan Roberts of Front Office Sports to discuss: • Anti Fund's investment thesis in prediction markets and Polymarket Buying Bitcoin at 15 years old and his long-term thesis on crypto and DeFi • How AI will change sports and why human competition is irreplaceable • Whether athlete team ownership is actually a smart investment at today's valuations • What the general public gets wrong about Jake Paul and his business legacy CHAPTERS 0:00 Anti Fund's Investment in Poly Market and Prediction Markets 1:27 The Regulatory Future of Prediction Markets and Sports Betting 2:49 Jake Paul Bought Bitcoin at Age 15 and Still Holds It 3:47 How AI Will Change Sports Competition and Business 5:58 What Anti Fund Is Not Invested In and Why Access Hasn't Been the Problem 7:43 Should Athletes Buy Stakes in Sports Teams at Today's Valuations 9:23 What Has Most Surprised Jake Paul About Sports Business in the Last Year 10:45 What the General Public Gets Wrong About Jake Paul Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 21 · 13 min
7/21/26 - Michigan AD Out, Goodell Extension, Zlatan Exits Fox, Tom Brady vs. Logan Paul
Michigan fires AD Warde Manuel after ten-year tenure NFL owners moving toward a new Roger Goodell extension Portland Trail Blazers and city at odds over arena deal Zlatan Ibrahimovic calls it quits at the FOS Sports desk Tom Brady and Logan Paul's feud sparks WWE rumors Make sure to subscribe and follow Front Office Sports across socials to stay up-to-date on the latest conversations around the business of sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 20 · 13 min
CFB Analyst ⁨Josh Pate⁩ on Michigan Chaos, ESPN, McAfee, the Trump Interview, & More
Josh Pate joins Dan Roberts on Front Office Sports to discuss: • The fallout at Michigan football and what happens to AD Warde Manuel • Why the college football world was right to draw a hard line on Brendan Sorsby • Whether the NCAA has any real power left in college athletics I• nterviewing President Donald Trump and what the backlash taught him • His path at ESPN and the Pat McAfee road map CHAPTERS 0:00 Michigan Football Chaos and the AD Ward Manuel Situation 2:12 Does the General Fan Base Actually Care About Michigan's Admin Issues 2:49 Brendan Sorsby's Future and Why the Hard Line on Gambling Was Right 5:11 Could Sports Betting Make Gambling Controversies Less Controversial 6:22 Is the NCAA Becoming Less and Less Relevant 7:55 Why Conference Offices Would Struggle to Self-Govern 8:30 Why Josh Pate Interviewed Trump and What the Backlash Taught Him 10:00 Working With ESPN and Is the Pat McAfee Model His Blueprint 12:06 How College Football Went From Regional to Truly National Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 20 · 12 min
7/20/26 - Spain Wins World Cup, Open Championship Controversy, McGregor Timeline
Spain beats Argentina in extra time for World Cup title DeChambeau gets two-stroke penalty at the British Open McGregor has torn ACL, targets UFC return by summer 2027 Telemundo lands three-year Champions League Spanish rights deal FIFA's first-ever World Cup halftime show earns mixed reviews Make sure to subscribe and follow Front Office Sports across socials to stay up-to-date on the latest conversations around the business of sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 18 · 23 min
A Conversation with Nate Burleson on Russell Wilson at CBS, Travis Kelce’s Media Future, and Seahawks $9.6B Sale
Nate Burleson joins Baker Machado of Front Office Sports to discuss: • Travis Kelce's future in broadcasting and which network can afford him • Russell Wilson joining the “NFL Today” desk and what he brings to CBS • Whether Burleson wants James Brown's hosting role when JB is ready to leave • How Burleson almost turned down “Good Morning Football” and what changed his mind • The Seahawks’ selling for $9.6 billion and skyrocketing NFL valuations CHAPTERS 0:00 AT&T Connection Cup at Fanatics Fest 1:54 Russell Wilson Joining CBS NFL Today and What He Brings 5:14 Would Nate Burleson Take James Brown's Hosting Chair 6:23 Travis Kelce's Media Future and Which Network Can Pay Him 8:51 Hosting March Madness With Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith 11;48 Good Morning Football Turns Ten: The Story of Almost Saying No 16:18 Youth Sports Costs and Accessibility in America 18:04 The Seahawks Sell for $9.6 Billion and What NFL Valuations Mean 19:55 Nate's Best Career Stats Were Against the Chicago Bears Read the full story: https://frontofficesports.com/nate-burleson-pay-cut-cbs-travis-kelce/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 17 · 9 min
A Conversation with MLS Commissioner Don Garber on World Cup, Messi, Future & More
Don Garber joins Dan Roberts of Front Office Sports to discuss: • How the 2026 World Cup has transformed soccer fandom in the U.S. • Messi in the World Cup final and what it means for Inter Miami and MLS • How MLS plans to convert World Cup fans into lifelong local club supporters • His relationship with Messi after the suspension controversy last summer • His succession timeline and reflecting on 28 years as commissioner CHAPTERS 0:00 How the 2026 World Cup Has Gone for MLS and American Soccer 2:02 How Key Is It That a Current MLS Player Is in the World Cup Final 3:33 Don Garber on His Relationship With Messi After Last Summer's Suspension 4:47 How MLS Keeps the Momentum Going After the World Cup 6:21 Don Garber on His Succession Plan and Reflecting on 28 Years as Commissioner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 17 · 10 min
7/17/26 - World Cup Final Preview, Bam-Herro Aftermath, LeBron's Waiting Game
Argentina chases back-to-back World Cup titles Sunday NBA won't punish Bam Adebayo for hitting Tyler Herro Milwaukee Bucks under investigation for potential cap circumvention on Gary Trent Jr.’s new contract McGregor's UFC return draws 6.5 million viewers LeBron still won't reveal his next NBA destination Make sure to subscribe and follow Front Office Sports across socials to stay up-to-date on the latest conversations around the business of sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 16 · 13 min
7/16/26 - World Cup Final Set, Kawhi Probe, FanDuel VIP Scandal Deepens
Spain and Argentina set for World Cup final If found guilty, Adam Silver could fine Clippers $7M in Kawhi investigation NBA local streaming hub could launch in 2027 Manfred addresses Harper video Fandango lands Bundesliga rights in surprise sports deal Make sure to subscribe and follow Front Office Sports across socials to stay up-to-date on the latest conversations around the business of sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 15 · 17 min
A Conversation With USWNT Alumni Julie Ertz & Kealia Watt
Julie Ertz and Kealia Watt join Baker Machado of Front Office Sports to discuss: • Their new weekly women's soccer podcast “Style of Play” with Amp Sports • World Cup fever in the U.S. and what it means for soccer's growth • The 2027 Women's World Cup on Netflix and the historic equal-pay win • Breakout NWSL players to watch and Kealia's Amazon broadcasting career • Whether France or Argentina will win the men's World Cup CHAPTERS 0:00 Introducing Style of Play Podcast and Why Now 1:37 What the Creation Process Has Been Like for Both of Them 2:18 World Cup Fever in the US Even After the Men's Team Exited 4:06 Will the World Cup Be Rocket Fuel for MLS and NWSL 5:13 Equal Pay and the $16 Million World Cup Prize for US Soccer 6:47 Women's World Cup 2027 on Netflix and the Landscape of Women's Sports 7:43 Which World Cup Player Has Their Kids Most Excited 8:44 Breakout NWSL Players to Watch Including Michelle Cooper 10:08 Kealia on Breaking Into Broadcasting With Amazon and JJ Watt's Influence 13:01 World Cup Final Predictions France vs Argentina Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 15 · 13 min
7/15/26 - England vs Argentina, Michigan Athletics Investigation Latest, MLB Labor War
England and Argentina meet in the World Cup semifinal Michigan AD reportedly knew about coach’s affair before firing Paige Bueckers wants WNBA to hire more Black women head coaches MLB labor talks grow increasingly grim at midseason Suni Lee announces she's chasing a third Olympics Make sure to subscribe and follow Front Office Sports across socials to stay up-to-date on the latest conversations around the business of sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 14 · 14 min
7/14/26 - World Cup Semis, Michigan AD Probe, FanDuel VIP Scandal
France and Spain meet in the World Cup semifinal Michigan's AD job on the line after $12M probe McGregor heads to surgery but vows to fight again ESPN ends syndicated version of Good Morning Football FanDuel VIP program under scrutiny after Bryce Harper video Ted Lasso star returns to the pitch Make sure to subscribe and follow Front Office Sports across socials to stay up-to-date on the latest conversations around the business of sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Front Office Sports Today

7/31/26 - UEFA’s FIFA Boycott, LeBron’s ‘Last Dance’ Doc, Tush Push Stays

7/30/26 - USMNT Nearing Pochettino Return, FIFA Draws UEFA Criticism, Yankees and Knicks to DAZN

7/29/26 - FIFA's $20B Profit Machine, Record NCAA Jersey Patch Deals, LIV Golf Cancels Another Event

7/28/26 - 76ers’ Huge TV Boost, UNC GM Investigation, Stanford’s Unionization Process

7/27/26 - LeBron’s 76ers Decision, WNBA Officiating Overhaul, Michigan AD Buyout

7/24/26 - Mark Cuban Buys Into A's, Raiders Sign Mendoza, Sophie Cunningham's Meteoric Rise

A Conversation with Chris Bosh on LeBron's Next Team, Athlete Contract Taxes, and Returning to Court for Charity

7/23/26 - SEC Breakaway Talks, Bezos Eyes Liverpool, Miami’s LeBron Error

7/22/26 - World Cup Final Ratings, ESPN Layoffs, LeBron Waits, WFAN to SiriusXM

A Conversation with Jake Paul on Women's Sports, Prediction Markets & $100M Investment Fund

7/21/26 - Michigan AD Out, Goodell Extension, Zlatan Exits Fox, Tom Brady vs. Logan Paul

CFB Analyst ⁨Josh Pate⁩ on Michigan Chaos, ESPN, McAfee, the Trump Interview, & More

7/20/26 - Spain Wins World Cup, Open Championship Controversy, McGregor Timeline

A Conversation with Nate Burleson on Russell Wilson at CBS, Travis Kelce’s Media Future, and Seahawks $9.6B Sale

A Conversation with MLS Commissioner Don Garber on World Cup, Messi, Future & More

7/17/26 - World Cup Final Preview, Bam-Herro Aftermath, LeBron's Waiting Game

7/16/26 - World Cup Final Set, Kawhi Probe, FanDuel VIP Scandal Deepens

A Conversation With USWNT Alumni Julie Ertz & Kealia Watt

7/15/26 - England vs Argentina, Michigan Athletics Investigation Latest, MLB Labor War

7/14/26 - World Cup Semis, Michigan AD Probe, FanDuel VIP Scandal