

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

Nov 12, 2025 • 26min
Nico Harrison Firing Doesn’t Solve Mavs’ Issues | Could Project B Take Down Unrivaled?
The Mavericks have fired Nico Harrison, but he's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Dallas's struggles under its new ownership group. FOS reporter Alex Schiffer joins to explain how a team that was in the NBA Finals just two years ago has so quickly fallen from grace and why everything starts with the owners.
Meanwhile, new upstart European league Project B is looking like a major threat to Unrivaled after signing Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas, says FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile. She joins Baker Machado to explain why this league could be a major disruptor in women's basketball and who else could join Thomas and former WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike overseas.
Plus, YouTube TV and Disney's standoff is heading in the wrong direction, says FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher. He joins to explain.
Also, Giants star edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux joins to talk about his season and the impact he's making off the field.
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 11, 2025 • 25min
LSU Seeks to Fire Brian Kelly for Cause, Avoid $53M Buyout | Kelvin Beachum on Veterans Day
Just days after former LSU head coach Brian Kelly informed the school to fulfill its contractual obligation by paying him the full $53 million buyout from his contract after he was fired by the school, LSU has now filed legal paperwork alleging Kelly was removed “for cause,” which it says would avoid it paying out the second-largest buyout in college sports history. FOS reporter Amanda Christovich tells Baker Machado how the buyout settlement talks escalated to this point.
Meanwhile, as the “Fire Nico” chants by disgruntled fans grew louder, the Mavericks finally relieved embattled GM Nico Harrison of his duties. FOS reporter Colin Salao explains why the struggling team finally decided to part ways with its controversial front-office leader after he infamously traded star Luka Dončić to the Lakers nine months ago.
Plus, NFL offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum joins the show to highlight the importance of our military community this Veterans Day and how his current team, the Cardinals, continues to remember heroes like Pat Tillman to this 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 10, 2025 • 30min
Explaining Guardians Pitchers' Betting Scandal | Will Trump Get Commanders' Stadium Named After Him?
Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been indicted for their involvement in a pitch-rigging gambling scheme, and each could face up to 65 years. Entertainment and sports attorney Dan Lust joins Baker Machado to explain this situation and how leagues and sportsbook operators could respond, especially after the recent arrests of Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Heat guard Terry Rozier for other gambling charges.Plus, Donald Trump wants the Commanders to name their new $3.7 billion stadium after him, but he was met with intense boos from Washington fans before later appearing on Fox's broadcast of Lions-Commanders. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher explains the likelihood of the president getting his wish, while FOS Tuned In columnist Michael McCarthy assesses Trump's time in the booth alongside Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma.Also, we are joined by former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder, who reacts to Giants coach Brian Daboll's firing, explains the importance of investing in backup quarterbacks, and compares Jonathan Taylor's MVP case to former teammate Adrian Peterson's back in 2012—the last time a non-quarterback won the award.
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 7, 2025 • 25min
What We've Learned From Studying NFL Ratings | Jay Paterno on James Franklin Firing, Changing CFB Tides
The NFL is having one of its strongest seasons in decades as ratings hit historic highs in the United States and abroad. From massive viewership for Chiefs-Bills to the league’s London, Germany, and Madrid expansion push, the NFL continues to build global momentum. Front Office Sports newsletter writer David Rumsey breaks down why this season is rewriting the record books and how the Cowboys-Chiefs Thanksgiving matchup could challenge all-time regular-season viewership. Meanwhile, FOS reporter Colin Salao details the relationship and actions between Congress and NBA commissioner Adam Silver over the sports betting scandal.
Plus, college football is entering one of the wildest coaching cycles in years, with buyouts approaching $200 million for this season alone. Former Penn State assistant coach and current trustee Jay Paterno joins us to explain why the transfer portal, NIL (name, image, and likeness) era, fan impatience, and massive contracts are reshaping the sport. He also shares insight into Penn State’s coaching future, the challenge of defining success in modern college football, and how potential congressional action could change the NCAA’s future.
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 6, 2025 • 29min
Why ESPN Bet Failed | How Project B Could Disrupt WNBA CBA Negotiations
ESPN is folding ESPN Bet and "winding down" its partnership with Penn Entertainment after failing to pace their lofty market-share goals. FOS media and entertainment reporter Ryan Glasspiegel has the latest on this failed experiment and what it means for the sports betting industry.
Plus, women's sports reporter Annie Costabile talks through former WNBA MVP and current union president Nneka Ogwumike signing with the Project B women's basketball league, and what this says about the W's ongoing labor discussions.
Also, Stephen A. Smith gets ripped for his sketchy solitaire partnership, Rico Dowdle starts a hilarious GoFundMe campaign, and a college basketball team loses by 90 points to avoid a big fine.

Nov 5, 2025 • 30min
Explaining the YouTube TV and ESPN Standoff | Inside Brandon Dwyer’s ‘Road to 1 Point’
YouTube TV continues its standoff against Disney with no end in sight, according to FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher. He joins Baker Machado to explain why this saga is dragging out far longer than previous disputes between YouTube and other major providers like Fox and NBC.
Meanwhile, FOS reporter Alex Schiffer joins to discuss the NFL trade deadline and how some hungry owners capitalized on it, including Jerry Jones and new Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon.
Plus, FGCU college basketball player Brandon Dwyer talks about his "Road to 1 Point" social media campaign and what's next after scoring his first six points at the college level for his social media audience of nearly 2 million. Pelicans rookie Derik Queen also tells us what it's like to guard Victor Wembanyama.
Also, Tom Brady clones his dog, LIV Golf gets a format refresh, and Venus Williams is 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 4, 2025 • 29min
Steve Ballmer Sued by Aspiration Investors | College Hoops Faces Flagg-less Season, Betting Questions
Steve Ballmer was added to a 133-page lawsuit that claims Ballmer used the company to pay Kawhi Leonard and circumvent the NBA’s salary cap. Front Office Sports's Colin Salao explains what's next. Meanwhile, reporter Margaret Fleming takes us inside another NBA financial scandal in which a former Atlanta Hawks employee embezzled $3.8 million of the team's money for personal use, including the purchase of a Porsche.
Plus, the college basketball season has begun, but faces an uphill battle without a clear-cut "face of the season" like Cooper Flagg was last year, says FOS writer David Rumsey. Meanwhile, gambling concerns loom in the background. Amanda Christovich has the latest there.
Also, Ja Morant and the Grizzlies could be headed for divorce, the Stars are set to play a Stadium Series game in AT&T Stadium, and we look for answers about Michael Jordan's role with NBC.
Watch the full episode here.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 3, 2025 • 27min
CFB Coaches Buyouts Reach $186M | Dodgers the Favorites to Win Again
After a disappointing home loss to Kentucky over the weekend, Auburn fired head coach Hugh Freeze, buying out the remaining $15.8 million on his contract and raising the total buyouts in college football this season to nearly $186 million. FOS reporter David Rumsey explains why 25% of the head coaching jobs in the SEC are currently open and how dominant the conference will be in the first CFP rankings released this week.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers' Game 7 win in the World Series didn't just give MLB its first repeat winner in 25 years, but also delivered the league its highest-rated World Series game since 2017. FOS writer Eric Fisher breaks down the historic numbers and previews the upcoming MLB offseason, which has plenty of big names entering free agency.
Plus, it’s yet another season of drama for the Grizzlies and star Ja Morant, who was suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team. FOS reporter Colin Salao discusses whether the Grizzlies attempt to move on from their star, plus joins host Baker Machado to chat about the other big headlines in the FOS Watercolor.

Oct 31, 2025 • 27min
Did the WNBA Just Avoid a Lockout? | LSU’s Athletic Director Out After Dispute With Governor
As the deadline to come to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement was about to expire Friday, the WNBA and the players agreed to a 30-day extension to continue negotiations, pushing the new deadline to Nov. 30. FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile breaks down the current state of talks and whether there is still a real chance of a lockout or strike if negotiations break down.
Meanwhile, after being publicly told by the state’s governor he would not be hiring LSU’s next football coach, athletic director Scott Woodward announced he would be leaving the school just days after the university dismissed Brian Kelly with the second-largest contract buyout. FOS college sports reporter Amanda Christovich tells Baker Machado how the situation at the school has unraveled to the point that they now will need to hire a new coach, AD, and university president.
Plus, the latest on how long YouTube TV subscribers might be without ESPN and ABC after the carriage dispute between Google and Disney, and the Emirates NBA Cup 2025 tips off tonight for its third year with even more prize money at stake for players

Oct 30, 2025 • 25min
LSU Athletic Director Won’t Pick Next Coach
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry says LSU athletic director Scott Woodward won't be picking the successor for football coach Brian Kelly, and that he'd let "Donald Trump select it before I let [Woodward] do it." FOS college sports reporter Amanda Christovich explains why the state governor is so involved in this process and what it means for Woodward's future.
Speaking of LSU, former Tigers star Angel Reese is trademarking her own name, a sign of her growing brand power—a trend for numerous WNBA players across the league, says FOS reporter Annie Costabile. It coincides with collective bargaining negotiations, which is especially telling after commissioner Cathy Engelbert allegedly said players like Caitlin Clark should be "grateful" for the platform the league provides them.
Also, the World Series heads back to Toronto for the most expensive Canadian sports event in history, Pacquiao vs. Mayweather could happen again, and Jaylen Brown calls LeBron James for advice on saving his hairline.


