Front Office Sports Today

Soccer superstar Gareth Bale and his investment group have been in talks to buy League One club Cardiff City FC. The Welsh all-time leader in international caps and goals, also weighs in on the FIFA Club World Cup, 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup, Premier League, MLS as a retirement league, and other soccer topics from around the big slate of tournaments. Plus, two of the biggest names in boxing, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, take the ring at Madison Square Garden in the final chapter of their trilogy to headline the first all-women card in the Garden. Instead of the usual pay-per-view paywall broadcasting the historic event, Taylor-Serrano streams live on Netflix on Friday. Led by Jake Paul, the promoters of the fight organized this sold-out event to positively change the future of boxing, especially around increasing higher purses, opportunities for boxers, and media rights that provide easier access. Also, with FOS reporter Alex Schiffer covering the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Alex joins Renee Washington and guest cohost Curran Bhatia to recap the sold-out Lakers-Mavericks game Thursday night featuring 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and Bronny James. We also continue to get NBA offseason moves such as Jalen Williams’s recent max contract extension with the reigning-champion Thunder. OKC has now locked in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Williams with extensions that, combined, total up to $822 million. Meanwhile, two-time MVP and NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo joined IShowSpeed on the famous YouTuber’s livestream and shared that he will “probably” stay in Milwaukee. Key Moments: 1:00 - Giannis “probably” stays in Milwaukee 4:17 - Taylor-Serrano Historic Boxing Match 9:52 - Gareth Bale on Cardiff City FC, FIFA Club World Cup, and 17:51 - Cooper Flagg vs. Bronny James at NBA Summer League 21:56 - Air Jordan on Airbnb 📈 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.

Major League Baseball’s Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system that's been tested in the minor leagues and spring training is ready to make its big league debut at the All-Star game next Tuesday in Atlanta. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher explains how the technology will be used to challenge ball-strike calls and why some pitchers are on the fence about its presence. Plus MLBPA union leaders say commissioner Rob Manfred is pushing for a salary cap in his meetings with players ahead of what will be intense talks before their current labor deal expires in December 2026. Meanwhile the biggest question looming over the Lakers' record sale at a $10 billion valuation to Dodgers owner Mark Walter is how much longer current team governor Jeanie Buss will remain with the organization. While it was stated she would stay with the team “for the foreseeable future,” FOS 'Asset Class' writer Ben Horney is hearing she could leave within the next five years. And commissioner Brett Yormark is attempting to make the Big 12 “a global conference,” with a college football game this season in Dublin, a women's basketball game in Paris and baseball games in 2026 in Mexico City. FOS reporter David Rumsey tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington the Big 12 is looking to find the same success other leagues like the NFL and NBA have had in taking their products abroad and dishes why college coaches like Deion Sanders are calling for a salary cap. Key Moments: 0:34 - Devin Booker's $145 Million Extension 4:50 - MLB: All Star Game Robo Umps and Manfred's Salary Cap Comments 9:46 - College Football Playoffs and Big 12 International Expansion 17:21 - Jeanie Buss' Lakers Tenure 21:10 - EA Sports College Football 26 📈 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.

Fresh off its box office success of the film F1, Apple is reportedly in talks to acquire U.S. broadcast rights for Formula One racing when they become available next year after ESPN's exclusive window to negotiate a new contract will expire. FOS’s “Tuned In” writer Michael McCarthy explains how much the tech giant might pay for the racing rights and why F1 would fit seamlessly into Apple’s growing collection of sports, including MLB and MLS. Plus, a big shake-up at Red Bull as team president Christian Horner was fired after 20 years. Tech and F1 commentator Toni Cowan-Brown talks about the seismic news of the exit and the uncertain future of driver Max Verstappen. Meanwhile, fresh off their first NBA title, the Thunder are spending $535 million to keep their championship core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren together, but not at a discount. FOS reporter Alex Schiffer breaks down the deals and whether OKC will be able to re-sign its other star Jalen Williams, and why Nikola Jokić decided against signing a new max deal with the Nuggets this summer. And the presumed No. 1 pick in next year’s NHL draft, 17-year-old Gavin McKenna, is going to Penn State on what is believed to be the biggest NIL (name, image, and likeness) deal in college hockey history. FOS editorial director of features Meredith Turits discusses what McKenna's decision to leave the CHL to play in college this season might signal for the future of hockey. Key Moments: 0:36 - WNBA All-Star rosters, Angel Reese's first signature sneaker with Reebok, HBCU hockey 4:43 - Holmgren signs max contract extension with OKC, Jokic not re-signing until next year 9:44 - Horner fired by F1's Red Bull team, Apple in the talks to acquire F1 media rights, ESPN talent on GMA 17:25 - Presumed NHL #1 prospect Gavin McKenna to play at PSU 21:39 - DeAndre Ayton says Luka Doncic is ripped 📈 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.

As one of 10 states where sports gambling is still not legal, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a recent legal filing that draft and pick’em-style daily fantasy games could be considered sports betting and therefore illegal in the state. While companies like DraftKings that have operated in the state for 13 years say fantasy contests involve skill and should not be considered gambling, FOS deals reporter Ben Horney tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington the legal aspects of the filing and whether players in the Golden State will still be able to play daily fantasy games. Meanwhile, the WNBA and its players are less than four months away from the Oct. 31 expiration of their current CBA, and the two sides remain far apart. The players firmly rejected the league’s first counterproposal a few weeks ago, with some calling it “a slap in the face.” FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile spoke with union president Nneka Ogwumike and has the latest on the tense negotiations. And don’t look now, but the Magic could be a real threat in the NBA’s Eastern Conference for years to come after signing star Paolo Banchero to a reported five-year, $239 million max rookie contract extension, locking up their core of Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and newly acquired Desmond Bane through the 2028–29 season. Plus, Pacers president Kevin Pritchard admits he was "shocked" like the rest of us when he read star Myles Turner would be leaving the team for the Bucks on Shams Charania’s social media. Key Moments: 0:37 - Cousins "misled" by Falcons, MLB agent under investigation, Bonner signs with Mercury 4:43 - Banchero signs new contract with Magic, Haliburton out for season, Pacers President "surprised" by Myles Turner's exit 9:47 - WNBA & players still at odds with CBA deadline 17:22 - California AG says Daily Fantasy Sports might be illegal 21:07 - Backyard Baseball is back 📈 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.

Less than a week has passed since NCAA Division I schools could start directly paying players, and we're already seeing historic deals across all sports. Five-star football offensive tackle Felix Ojo spurned offers from Texas and Ohio State to sign a historic, fully guaranteed three-year, $5.1 million revenue-sharing contract with Texas Tech. It is believed to be one of the largest agreements in college football history. Ojo's agents, Derrick Shelby, and Rashad Phillips of Prestige Management Group, tell Baker Machado and Renee Washington how they were able to secure Ojo’s megadeal, in addition to the reported $1.2 million they got softball pitcher NiJaree Canady, and how athletes should navigate the current NIL (name, image, and likeness) environment after the landmark House settlement. Plus, the Suns and Bradley Beal are expected to part ways in the coming days, as Phoenix would reportedly absorb the remaining $110 million of Beal’s contract, ending one of the most infamous deals in NBA history. FOS reporter Colin Salao breaks down how Beal’s exit is similar to what the Bucks did with Damian Lillard and what his options are on the open market. And President Donald Trump and UFC say they plan to host a fight on the White House lawn as part of America’s 250th celebration on July 4, 2026. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher explains the likelihood of the unprecedented event happening and whether former two-division champion Conor McGregor might be one of the fighters in the ring. Key Moments: 0:41 - Nats fire GM & Manager, FIFA CWC ticket prices drop, WNBA All-Star Game modest payout 4:40 - Will Bradley Beal leave the Suns? 9:43 - Felix Ojo secures largest college football contract 17:12 - Trump announces White House UFC event 21:18 - Wimbledon technology issues 📈 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.

On a special Saturday drop, we're bringing you a conversation from our Portfolio Players series. In the this episode of Portfolio Players, Presented by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley, FOS Editor-in-Chief Dan Roberts interviews Atlanta Falcons limited partner & venture capitalist Rashaun Williams. Rashaun talks about his investment strategy & how it led him to becoming a limited partner in the Atlanta Falcons ownership as well as investor in multiple NBA teams. In the interview, the Shark Tank guest host breaks down some of his best wins and losses tying in his overall thought process on portfolio building. Describing his diversified investment approach, Williams highlights his focus on high-growth potential startups and how they have contributed significantly to his financial success.

The dust has settled after a wild start to NBA free agency, with insiders questioning the moves made by Milwaukee in dumping star Damian Lillard and replacing him with Myles Turner. Did the team do enough to keep star Giannis Antetokounmpo happy? Plus, after reportedly discussing a $42 million contract with the Pistons, Malik Beasley is in limbo as he faces a federal investigation over allegations of sports betting. FOS reporter Ben Horney details the latest in the investigation and why Beasley’s former agent sued for $2.5 million, claiming Beasley might not have any money. Meanwhile, in the WNBA, the league and players are in heated discussions on a new collective bargaining agreement that expires after the season, with stars like Mercury forward Satou Sabally calling the league’s latest proposal a “slap in the face.” CBS Sports WNBA analyst Terrika Foster-Brasby breaks down the latest in the negotiations and explains why the league’s big expansion news this week hasn't sat too well with some players. And, NFL Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis joins the show to chat about his former team, the Steelers, signing Aaron Rodgers, and if he thinks they made enough moves during the offseason to make a deep run in the playoffs. Key Moments: 0:37 - Wimbledon upsets, NBA free agency, Fever wins Commissioner's Cup 4:57 - Players call CBA offer a 'slap in the face' 9:56 - Steelers legend Jerome Bettis discusses Aaron Rodgers in black & gold 17:20 - Malik Beasley debt details emerge 21:47 - Well wishes to Red Panda 📈 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 NBA’s official start to the offseason started with a bang, as teams could finally sign free agents and trade players. Some of the biggest moves include Oklahoma City signing MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a new supermax contract, the Nuggets making a big trade, and the Bucks shocking the NBA world by releasing star Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner away from the Pacers. Spotrac’s Keith Smith crunches the numbers and explains how these new deals will work under the league’s new salary cap and which teams are close to the dreaded luxury tax apron. Plus, sneaker insider Nick DePaula dishes on the latest shoe news, including New Balance increasing their basketball footprint with the signing of Cooper Flagg and what he’s hearing about Caitlin Clark’s long-awaited signature Nike sneaker. He’s also giving us a first look at the new Air Jordan 40s. And EA Sports is bringing back its NCAA college basketball video game after shelving it back in 2009. Extra Points founder/publisher Matt Brown joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain how college athletes receiving NIL payments played a huge role in the game’s return and if EA Sports will be able to extend its licensing deal for Madden NFL, which expires in 2026. Key Moments: 0:43 - NFL punts 18-game season, ESPN & MLB, SGA gets paid 5:57 -  NBA new salary cap 10:01 - Latest sneaker news drop 17:19 - EA Sports reboots NCAA basketball 21:26 -  Happy Bobby Bonilla Day! 📈 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 WNBA will undergo major expansion to 18 teams by the end of the decade, announcing new teams in Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. They join new franchises in Portland and Toronto in 2026. FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile was at the news announcement and breaks down how NBA owners helped bring the new teams to the W. Plus, LeBron James opted in to the final year of his $52.6 million deal with the Lakers in what could be the final NBA contract for the league's all-time leading scorer. The Athletic senior NBA writer Fred Katz tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington why King James decided to stay one more season with the Lakers and if the team will go all in for one last title run before building their future around Luka Dončić. And the 138th Wimbledon tournament gets underway with both record-high temperatures and a $73 million pool prize. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher discusses Wimbledon’s major redevelopment plans and whether the tournament can continue to capitalize on Grand Slam excitement from the French Open that saw wins for Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff. Key Moments: 0:39 - Ramsey joins Steelers, Messi eliminated in FIFA CWC, Malik Beasley Betting Scandal 4:46 - Inside WNBA expansion to Philly, Cleveland, Detroit 9:51 - LeBron stays with Lakers for one more season 17:37 - Wimbledon's record purse 21:40 - Ace Bailey "blessed" to play for Jazz 📈 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 dust has settled from the NBA draft, and No. 5 pick Ace Bailey still doesn't seem that jazzed to be in Utah. Will the former Rutgers star even play for his new team, and what are his options if he doesn't show up? Also, which teams made great selections and which dropped the ball? ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks joins Baker Machado and Derryl Barnes to give his draft winners and losers, as well as answer whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will return to the Bucks next season. Plus, after three lockouts over the last 20 years, the NHL and NHLPA have agreed to a new CBA through 2030 that will include an 84-game regular season in 2026. FOS editorial director of features Meredith Turits breaks down the new deal, which includes a solution for emergency goalies and the maximum length for player contracts. And Apple's $200 million film F1 finally hits theaters this week. Will the blockbuster starring Brad Pitt bring new fans to the sport? Key Moments: 0:42 - Masai Ujiri out as Raptors President, TNT drops NBATV, Texas State joins PAC-12 4:42 - NHL CBA Changes Lengthen Regular Season 9:52 - ESPN's Bobby Marks on Ace Bailey, NBA Draft Trades 17:56 - Inside F1 Movie with Screenvision CEO 📈 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.