Front Office Sports Today

Move over, Wrexham. Birmingham City is the latest European soccer club to capture the world’s attention. The team is celebrating its 150th anniversary along with its latest promotion to the EFL Championship (the second tier of English soccer), with a little help from minority owner and NFL legend Tom Brady. Brady exclusively tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington why he purchased a stake in the club, what makes him a good owner, as well as the team’s new documentary Built in Birmingham: Brady & the Blues, which streams on Amazon Prime Video on Aug. 1. Meanwhile, one of the biggest training camp holdouts has finally ended, as Shemar Stewart and the Bengals came to terms on a new deal, making him the last first-round pick to sign with his team. NFL insider Jordan Schultz explains how Stewart’s deal came together.  He also has the latest on Terry McLaurin's negotiations with the Commanders. And after being out of the public eye for some time, Colorado football coach Deion Sanders revealed he was treated for and successfully beat bladder cancer after doctors found a tumor that required surgery. FOS reporter David Rumsey has the latest on when Coach Prime will be able to return to the Buffaloes’ sidelines and why he did not reveal his diagnosis to his sons Shedeur and Shilo until now. Key Moments: 0:38 - MLB hall of fame inductions, Messi "upset," historic NASCAR final at Indy 5:12 - NFL training camp holdouts with Jordan Schultz 9:49 - Tom Brady on FOS Today 17:29 - Deion Sanders beats bladder cancer 21:30 - Nikola Jokic celebrates horse racing win 📈 Don’t miss tomorrow’s top stories in the business and culture of sports — Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontOfficeSports/subscribe Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to mitigate the "unprecedented threat" to college athletics and prevent athletes from being considered professionals. FOS college sports reporter Amanda Christovich explains the order and how it impacts the ongoing contention between NIL collaborators, the NCAA, and the federal government around the employment status of college athletes. Plus, Bill Belichick addressed a huge media crowd at ACC Kickoff to explain his vision for the UNC Tar Heels, and why the current college landscape is "not that different from the NFL". FOS newsletter writer David Rumsey was at the event and joins Renee Washington and Baker Machado to break it all down, including some chatter that UNC could eventually look to join the SEC behind their $10M dollar coach. Also, we hear about FIFA's efforts to attract a younger audience through video games including Roblox, Caitlin Clark's rookie card sells for a record amount, and Christian Wilkins is in a complicated situation with the NFLPA after having $35M voided by the Raiders. Key Moments: 0:39 - Wilkins NFLPA grievance, Caitlin Clark injury update, Skydance/CBS merger 5:34 - Trump signs executive order stating "college athletes are not employees" 9:52 - Bill Belichick speaks at ACC Kickoff, takeaways from ACC media days 17:29 - FIFA strikes a deal with Roblox 21:29 - Caitlin Clark's rookie card sells for $660K 📈 Don’t miss tomorrow’s top stories in the business and culture of sports — Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontOfficeSports/subscribe Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

It’s been a challenging first year for Grand Slam Track, as the start-up league canceled its final slam event in June and reportedly still owes millions to its athletes. Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and former U.S. Olympian, exclusively told FOS Today the reason for the financial struggles—a key investor backed out—and discussed its future. Read the full exclusive here on FOS. Meanwhile, on the heels of a Lionel Messi–less MLS All-Star Game, commissioner Don Garber met with team governors in Austin and says the league is still working on a potential “seismic” schedule change that would align MLS with the rest of the global soccer calendar, playing from fall to spring. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher explains why a future schedule change might not happen until 2027, plus he combs through data on how many fans are watching the games on Apple TV+. And Big Ten media days wrap in Las Vegas, and FOS reporter Amanda Christovich tells Baker Machado and Dan Roberts about her conversation with commissioner Tony Petitti about the potential for private equity to flow into the conference. Key Moments: 0:37 - Hulk Hogan dies at 71, NFL record financials, NBC's new sports channel 4:22 - MLS commissioner Don Garber on potential "seismic" schedule change, viewership on Apple TV 9:48 - Grand Slam Track Founder Michael Johnson 17:45 - BIG 10 media days recap 21:03 - Sophie Cunningham fined for TikTok post 📈 Don’t miss tomorrow’s top stories in the business and culture of sports — Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontOfficeSports/subscribe Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

NFL owners prepare for a vote next month that could result in ESPN and the Walt Disney Co. acquiring NFL media properties, including RedZone and NFL Network. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher joins Baker Machado and Dan Roberts to explain the story behind this potential acquisition and how it could create new opportunities and issues alike. Plus, the controversial Polymarket—which allows users to bet on real-world events—is set to become legal in the United States. FOS reporter Ryan Glasspiegel explains the prediction markets’ brewing arms race and where large sportsbook operators like FanDuel and DraftKings could factor in. Also, Qatar's bid to become the first Middle Eastern nation to host the Olympics, ACC commissioner Jim Phillips speaks, and ESPN will host 30 new sports, including soap Hockey and T-Rex racing. Key Moments: 0:38 - Hendrickson holds out, BIG 12 rejects Memphis, Richard Jefferson to stay w/ ESPN 4:17 - Latest NFL Media/Disney deal, will NFL acquire equity stake in ESPN? 9:47 - Polymarket set to be legal in U.S., Qatar bids to host 2036 Olympics 17:18 - ACC media days in Charlotte 21:00 - ESPN 8: The Ocho returns 📈 Don’t miss tomorrow’s top stories in the business and culture of sports — Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontOfficeSports/subscribe Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

President Donald Trump posted Sunday that he would “put a restriction” on the Commanders and their proposed $3.8 billion stadium deal if they don’t revert to their prior name that was dropped in 2020 for its racial insensitivities. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher explains whether this is enforceable by the president and where Commanders owner Josh Harris goes from here as the stadium deal looms. Plus, WNBA All-Star weekend sees great success even without Caitlin Clark—but player statements around labor talks and the CBA stole the show for the W's coming-out party, says FOS reporter Colin Salao, who was on-site for the festivities. Also, is Scottie Scheffler the most dominant athlete in the world right now after his Open Championship win? David Rumsey joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to weigh in. Key Moments: 0:39 - Unrivaled signs 14 new players, NFLPA latest, Burrow's burglary 5:20 - Trump threatens Washington Commanders over name 9:48 - WNBA All-Star weekend recap, Sabrina Ionescu speaks out on "players need rest," CBA talks intensify 17:25 - Scottie Scheffler wins his fourth major title at The Open 21:06 - Pittsburgh Pirates draw highest  attendance on Mac Miller bobblehead night/ Chris Paul signs with Clippers 📈 Don’t miss tomorrow’s top stories in the business and culture of sports — Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontOfficeSports/subscribe Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell resigned after the union reportedly worked with the NFL to bury claims of attempted collusion on guaranteed contracts. FOS senior news editor Dennis Young joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain the laundry list of Howell's transgressions and where the union goes from here to find a new leader. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Indianapolis as the city welcomes the WNBA All-Star Game just one year after hosting the event for the NBA, but hometown hero Caitlin Clark will not be participating in the festivities. Joey Graziano of Pacers Sports & Entertainment and Janina Lundy of Kevin Hart’s production company Hartbeat explain the economic impact on the city and highlight the creation of other events around town, such as the inaugural comedy and music party Fever Fest. Plus, FOS multimedia reporter Derryl Barnes checks in from Indy as WNBA CBA negotiations are met with frustration, and Unrivaled comments on its relationship with the W. Key Moments: 0:35 - Damian Lillard returns home, WNBA CBA talks, TJ Watt gets paid 4:25 - NFLPA Chief Lloyd Howell resigns amid scandal 9:37 - Clark out for All-Star, Indy preps event, "Fever Fest" 17:00 - WNBA All-Star check in, Unrivaled vs. WNBA, latest CBA talks 21:14 - Belichick docuseries heads to Hulu 📈 Don’t miss tomorrow’s top stories in the business and culture of sports — Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontOfficeSports/subscribe Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

A huge loss ahead of the WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis as hometown hero Caitlin Clark announced she will not take part in the game and the three-point contest as she recovers from a groin injury that has sidelined her for an extended period this season. FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile is on the ground in Indy with instant reaction to Clark’s absence and how this could affect the hype surrounding the big event. Plus, three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal has agreed to a contract buyout with the Suns and plans to join the Clippers on a two-year deal. Mark Bartelstein, Beal’s representative who brokered the exit from the Suns, explains how this $96.9 million buyout materialized and Beal's long-term goal to stay in Los Angeles. And just days after canceling much of their programming, FS1 has signed an agreement with Barstool Sports that includes licensing content and Dave Portnoy appearing on its Big Noon Kickoff. FOS media and entertainment reporter Ryan Glasspiegel broke the news and joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to weigh in on the partnership and whether Portnoy can be Fox’s version of Pat McAfee. Key Moments: 0:37 - MLB All-Star Ratings, women's soccer record transfer, NFL free agency 4:14 - Caitlin Clark out for WNBA All-Star 9:50 - Bradley Beal's big buyout; heading to LA, CBA killing free agency? 17:26 - Barstool and FS1 strike deal 21:59 - ESPY awards wrap-up 📈 Don’t miss tomorrow’s top stories in the business and culture of sports — Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontOfficeSports/subscribe Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

MLB's All-Star Week ended with an exhilarating home-run swing-off tiebreaker, solidifying baseball's top spot among the major sports' all-star events. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to discuss the latest Rob Manfred–era implementation and how it affects his legacy as MLB commissioner, alongside other big changes like the pitch clock and "robo umps." Plus, NBA commissioner Adam Silver delivered a press conference Tuesday addressing league expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas, the new CBA "killing free agency," and league parity. FOS reporter Alex Schiffer breaks down Silver’s comments and weighs in on the possible relocation of the Trail Blazers. Also, we hear from FOS newsletter writer David Rumsey live from SEC media days in Atlanta on College Football Playoff expansion, Nick Saban's potential return to coaching, and expectations for the Texas Longhorns and Arch Manning as he prepares for his first season as a starter. Key Moments: 0:39 - Caitlin Clark injury, historic NFL contracts, Belichick vs. Kraft 4:50 - MLB All-Star swing off, Manfred's success, robo umps worked 9:52 - Adam Silver on NBA expansion, Blazers ownership, CBA killing Free Agency? 17:41 - SEC Media Days takeaways, Netflix to produce SEC docu-series, Saban to return to coaching? 21:38 - Xander Schaufelle lost his gold medal 📈 Don’t miss tomorrow’s top stories in the business and culture of sports — Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontOfficeSports/subscribe Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

Big changes are happening at FS1, as the network canceled three of its five daily shows including Breakfast Ball, The Facility, and Speak, hosted by Joy Taylor, Paul Pierce, and Keyshawn Johnson. FOS media reporter and Tuned In writer Michael McCarthy explains why the network pulled the plug on the shows, whether its cancellations have anything to do with departing executive Charlie Dixon, and which big names are being looked at to possibly join the network. Meanwhile, baseball’s current home run leader, Cal Raleigh, became the first switch-hitter and catcher to win the Home Run Derby, taking home the $1 million prize and furthering what has already been a historic season for the Mariner. Baseball writer Hannah Keyser talks about why the “Big Dumper” has been such a hit, as well as the future of the Rays as current owner Stu Sternberg has agreed to sell the team for $1.7 billion. And a bipartisan bill to regulate college sports called the SCORE Act was introduced in the House that would offer limited antitrust protection for the NCAA and would bar schools from using student fees to pay for college athletic programs. While fans say the legislation is needed to protect schools and athletes in the current college athletic environment, players’ unions for the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB are all against it, with one U.S. senator calling the SCORE Act “the National Championship of all heists.” Adam Breneman, host of the Front Office Sports podcast Next Up, breaks down the proposed legislation. Key Moments: 0:43 - Portland Fire return, Garrett Wilson payday, Serrano & Taylor ratings 5:02 - Fox Sports 1 mass cancellations; Joy Taylor out 9:58 - Cal Raleigh wins the HR Derby; Rays sold for $1.7B 17:36 - Adam Breneman discusses how the 'Score Act' could change NIL 22:30 - NFL's new "tantrum proof" Sony headsets 📈 Don’t miss tomorrow’s top stories in the business and culture of sports — Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontOfficeSports/subscribe Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.

The hottest rivalry in tennis continues to be one for the ages after Jannik Sinner finally defeated his archrival Carlos Alcaraz to win his first Wimbledon title and fourth Grand Slam, just a month after the duo gave us the longest French Open final ever. Tennis writer Giri Nathan, whose new book Changeover: A Young Rivalry and a New Era of Men's Tennis chronicles the rise of Alcaraz and Sinner, tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington what makes this rivalry so special and opines about the likelihood of another Grand Slam final between the two ahead of next month's US Open. Meanwhile, Chelsea defeated Euro champ Paris Saint-Germain in front of 80,000 fans and President Donald Trump at Met Life Stadium to win the FIFA Club World Cup final and its $40 million first-place prize. Despite some early setbacks and some stadiums seeing sparse fan attendance, Zach Lowy, soccer writer and chief editor of “Breaking the Lines,” says the Club World Cup should still be considered a success ahead of North America preparing for the larger men’s World Cup next year. And we’re more than halfway through the 2025 MLB season with all eyes on All-Star week in Atlanta. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher joins from Truist Park ahead of the Home Run Derby and breaks down why the Nationals shocked experts by choosing high school star Eli Willits with the No. 1 pick in the MLB draft. Key Moments: 0:37 - Dame to Boston?, NLPA backs Lloyd Howell, Aliyah Boston NWSL investment 4:08 - Chelsea wins FIFA Club World Cup 9:51 - MLB Draft & Home Run Derby 17:11 - Sinner/Alcaraz rivalry continues 📈 Don’t miss tomorrow’s top stories in the business and culture of sports — Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontOfficeSports/subscribe Front Office Sports Today is your daily guide on all things sports, business and culture, with insightful commentary and appearances from athletes, executives, and more.