Front Office Sports Today

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.