

Front Office Sports Today
Front Office Sports
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 2, 2025 • 26min
Lane Kiffin’s LSU Move & The New Fencing League Changing an Old Sport
FOS reporter Amanda Christovich discusses Lane Kiffin’s introduction at LSU, which has sent ripples through the SEC, and his emotional press conference raised new questions about loyalty, timing, and how powerhouse programs shape the future of college football. As debates swirl around agent influence, contract negotiations, and fan reactions, it is another reminder of how high-stakes this coaching carousel really is.
Plus, Olympic fencer Miles Chamley-Watson joins the show to discuss his vision for a modernized World Fencing League. From new technology that gamifies the sport to a reimagined way of showcasing elite athletes, fencing is getting a fresh presentation aimed at bringing in new fans and giving young athletes a clearer path forward.
Also, Asset Class writer Ben Horney joins us in the studio as he details the FTX lawsuit and its new settlement with Udonis Haslem.
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.

Dec 1, 2025 • 26min
How Kiffin’s LSU Jump Impacts the CFB Landscape | Inside the WNBA’s Second CBA Extension
Lane Kiffin's $91 million coaching move from Ole Miss to LSU has profound effects on the entire college football landscape, even outside of the SEC's power shift. FOS newsletter writer David Rumsey and college sports reporter Amanda Christovich join Baker Machado to talk through Kiffin's big decision from all angles and evaluate the changing coaching dynamics of college football, including a new pipeline for Power 4 schools.
Plus, the WNBPA and league owners agreed to a second extension for their collective bargaining agreement deadline, just minutes before the current CBA was set to expire. FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile joins the show with the latest on these ongoing discussions and how the latest extension could impact the upcoming season for the WNBA and for its competitor, Unrivaled.
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.

Nov 26, 2025 • 32min
NFL Looks to Feast on Record Thanksgiving Expectations | Inside Return of Golf's 'Skins Game'
The NFL has long owned Thanksgiving and expects big viewership numbers in its tripleheader this year, as FOS Tuned In columnist Michael McCarthy predicts the Chiefs-Cowboys game could average 50 million viewers and break the all-time record for a regular-season game. He and FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher join Baker Machado to debate viewership expectations and explain how this day has become one of the biggest on the NFL calendar. They also discuss Amazon Prime Video's dominance of Black Friday and how it fits the mold of the future.
One of Amazon’s Black Friday events is the return of the made-for-TV "Skins Game" golf match after a 17-year hiatus. Pro Shop cofounder and president Chad Mumm joins Baker Machado to explain how the competition works and how he helped bring it 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.

Nov 25, 2025 • 26min
Netflix’s Big Sports Play: Elle Duncan Hire, ESPN Fallout & NBA Gambling Updates
Lane Kiffin is the hottest name in college football, with potential offers from LSU, Florida, and a new deal at Ole Miss that would all likely position him as the NCAA's highest-paid coach. FOS newsletter writer David Rumsey explains what will factor into Kiffin's decision and how it will change the SEC and college football as a whole.
Plus, the Dallas Wings have won the WNBA draft lottery for the second consecutive year, and they could use the top pick on Paige Bueckers’s former teammate and current girlfriend Azzi Fudd. FOS reporter Colin Salao talks through the big decision and why the franchise could be more willing to accommodate Bueckers in light of the Mavericks' Luka Dončić fiasco.
Also, Gotham FC wins its second championship in three seasons, and Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman discusses her playing future with FOS at NWSL media 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.

Nov 24, 2025 • 26min
Should Lane Kiffin Leave Ole Miss? | Wings Could Draft Paige Bueckers’s Girlfriend Azzi Fudd at No.1
Lane Kiffin is the hottest name in college football, with potential offers from LSU, Florida, and a new deal at Ole Miss that would all likely position him as the NCAA's highest-paid coach. FOS newsletter writer David Rumsey explains what will factor into Kiffin's decision and how it will change the SEC and college football as a whole.
Plus, the Dallas Wings have won the WNBA draft lottery for the second consecutive year, and they could use the top pick on Paige Bueckers’s former teammate and current girlfriend Azzi Fudd. FOS reporter Colin Salao talks through the big decision and why the franchise could be more willing to accommodate Bueckers in light of the Mavericks' Luka Dončić fiasco.
Also, Gotham FC wins its second championship in three seasons, and Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman discusses her playing future with FOS at NWSL media 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.

Nov 21, 2025 • 25min
Is This Trinity Rodman’s Last NWSL Match? | Puck Drops on Third PWHL Season
Since the College Football Playoff began in 2015, data from the Knight-Newhouse College Athletics Database says severance pay for fired football coaches has nearly quadrupled and is expected to exceed $169 million for just 10 head football coaches this year. Amy Privette Perko, the CEO of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, joins to explain whether football buyout money is impacting funding for other athletic departments like women's and collegiate Olympic sports.
Meanwhile, the puck drops on the third PWHL season Friday, with two new expansion teams in Seattle and Vancouver joining this season ahead of potential expansion from 8 to 12 teams by 2026–27. Jayna Hefford, PWHL’s EVP of hockey operations, previews the season and discusses whether any of the seven new cities in the league’s Takeover Tour this year might be considered for future expansion franchises.
And after meeting in an epic semifinal last year, Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit meet Saturday in San Jose for the NWSL championship in what could be Trinity Rodman’s last game with the Spirit before she hits the free-agent market. FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile joins Baker Machado to preview the big game.
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.

Nov 20, 2025 • 25min
Did MLB Hit a Home Run With New TV Deal? | Fitness Instructor Kendall Toole on Leaving Peloton
Coming off a highly rated World Series and a regular season that saw increased attendance and viewership, Major League Baseball formally unveiled its new media deals for the 2026–28 seasons, where NBC and Netflix will now join ESPN, TNT, and Fox as broadcast partners. This announcement comes as commissioner Rob Manfred said the league will cooperate with a congressional inquiry relating to the gambling indictments regarding Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher was at the league meetings and has the latest.
Meanwhile, after leaving Peloton, fitness instructor Kendall Toole has launched her own wellness app called NKO Club, blending fitness, nutrition, and mental health. Toole talks about why she left Peloton and why fans will be satisfied with the content on her new app.
And FOS editor-in-chief Dan Roberts joins Baker Machado at the FOS Watercooler to chat about Mark Cuban taking a more public role with the Mavericks’ front office by proclaiming the team won’t trade Anthony Davis.
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.

Nov 19, 2025 • 25min
Is the NBA’s Fast Pace Injuring Its Players? | Why Was Ronaldo at the White House?
Amid their contentious labor negotiations with players, the WNBA’s latest proposal would, for the first time, include a player max salary exceeding $1 million. FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile breaks down the latest offer and whether players might be satisfied with the offer before the Nov. 30 deadline.
Meanwhile, in the past week, NBA stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama have been sidelined with injuries, leading Warriors coach Steve Kerr to say he’s “very concerned” that the NBA’s increased pace of play and condensed 82-game schedule are causing an increase in player injuries. FOS reporter Colin Salao crunches the injury numbers and discusses whether the NBA would ever shorten its season to protect the players.
Plus, we introduce you to Kelsie Whitmore, the Savannah Bananas pitcher who is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the first Women's Professional Baseball League draft.
And editor-in-chief Dan Roberts joins Baker Machado at the FOS Watercooler to discuss why Cristiano Ronaldo was at the White House this week while President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the latest on Stephen Curry’s sneaker free agency after he was spotted wearing both Nike and Reebok.
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.

Nov 18, 2025 • 26min
James Franklin’s Virginia Tech Hire Saves Penn State Millions | Inside Hockey’s New Player Pipeline
James Franklin is heading to Virginia Tech, and although the details of his new contract aren't yet known, Penn State will reportedly have to pay only $9 million of the $49 million in his contract buyout. FOS newsletter writer David Rumsey joins to explain the significance of this move, as well as the alleged deadline issued to Lane Kiffin to decide his coaching future. He also talks through the media considerations around expanding the College Football Playoff.
Plus, hockey's new eligibility system is already having a big impact on the NHL pipeline, just one year after the change, as the CHL-NCAA tug of war for top talent has only just begun. FOS editorial director of features Meredith Turits joins Baker Machado to explain.
Also, LeBron James is done with the Olympics, Matt LaFleur rips MetLife Stadium, and Congress demands answers from MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

Nov 17, 2025 • 26min
How YouTube TV and ESPN Settled Dispute | Caitlin Clark Gives LPGA an Assist
YouTube TV and ESPN ended their two-week-plus standoff late Friday, just in time for a big slate of college football Saturday. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher joins to explain how the two sides reached an agreement and what ESPN's new unlimited YouTube TV package will look like.
Meanwhile, FOS Asset Class author Ben Horney joins to break down everything we know about the NBA's ongoing gambling investigation and where Congress most recently stepped in.
Also, golf broadcaster and journalist Lauren Withrow talks about WNBA star Caitlin Clark's big week on the LPGA Tour and how her involvement in The Annika for the second straight year encapsulates the unique nature of golf as a sport. She also discusses Kai Trump's performance and looks ahead to next week's CME Group Tour Championship, which will feature the largest single prize in women's pro golf history.Plus, Pistons guard Cade Cunningham gets a signature shoe with a big brand, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner battle again on and off the tennis court, and the NFL's Madrid game pulls a massive crowd.
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.


