Front Office Sports Today

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.

The first round of the NBA draft saw six trades, opposite crowd reactions for Adam Silver and Cooper Flagg, and Shams Charania (mostly) staying off social media to avoid spoilers for the broadcast. FOS multimedia reporter Derryl Barnes was at the draft, and he gives his thoughts on how the environment compares to the TV product. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher also discusses how draft-night trades impact the viewership experience for the fans. Plus, we are joined by Andrew Witlieb of Ace Bailey's representation on how the Rutgers star feels about being in Utah and why he declined pre-draft workouts for teams in the top five of the draft. Key Moments: 0:47 - Ronaldo re-signs, NHL extends season, Paypal signs 4:39 - NBA Draft: Good, Bad, and Ugly 9:53 - Trades! 13:26 - Ace Bailey's Management talks landing in Utah 17:35 - Paul Rabil on PLL and ESPN deal 22:00 - Mother's Day at the NBA Draft 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 draft is Wednesday night, and more trades are expected as teams sell off parts to navigate CBA restrictions and avoid the luxury tax. FOS reporter Colin Salao says the free-agency craze from the 2010s is something of the past, and because of that, drafting and trading players matter more than ever, especially in light of the Celtics trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis. Four-time NBA champ John Salley also joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to discuss the evolution of the draft process, how a draft slide affects a player's mentality, as well as Salley’s thoughts on his former team, the Lakers, selling at a record $10 billion valuation. Plus, ESPN acquires a stake in the Premier Lacrosse League, the latest in a trend of networks acquiring stakes in start-up leagues. FOS Tuned In columnist Michael McCarthy joins with the latest insight. Key Moments: 0:37 - March Madness expansion, Bonner waived by Fever, NBA Draft 3:49 - Early offseason and draft trades 9:53 - 4X Champ John Salley 17:36 - PLL and ESPN's unique deal 21:41 - Jordan 40's drop 📈 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 offseason started with a bang as the Celtics began their roster strip down Monday night, but the real fireworks could come ahead of Wednesday's NBA draft. ESPN draft analyst Jay Bilas joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington with the latest insight on teams moving picks and players, the “new” two-day format that launched last year, and why Cooper Flagg could be the best freshman to ever come out of Duke. Plus, the NFL is attempting to cover up collusion against guaranteed contracts, according to Pablo Torre and Mike Florio. Florio joins us to discuss this evolving situation involving all 32 team owners, commissioner Roger Goodell, and the NFL’s “Management Council. Key Moments: 0:40 - Tatis Jr. sues, NBC adds talent, Game 7 ratings 5:21 - NBA offseason's hot start 9:50 - ESPN Draft analyst Jay Bilas 17:35 - PFT's Mike Florio on NFL collusion 📈 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 Thunder pulled off a Game 7 victory to win the NBA Finals, but their future could be even more exciting. FOS writer Colin Salao joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to discuss the OKC model that the rest of the league should be trying to emulate. On the other side, the Pacers face difficult decisions in the wake of Tyrese Haliburton's torn Achilles. With basketball fever rampant in Indiana behind the success of the Pacers and Fever, FOS reporter Alex Schiffer says the joint team ownership should do whatever it takes to keep the momentum going. Plus, Kevin Durant has been traded from the Suns, but this is just the start of what could be a long offseason for Mat Ishbia's club. Suns reporter Duane Rankin discusses what's still to come. Key Moments: 0:38 - Woody Johnson, Sophie Cunningham, Denver Nuggets 4:28 - OKC Thunder wins NBA Finals 9:49 - Achilles injury epidemic 17:27 - Kevin Durant traded to Houston Rockets 22:12 - Thunder celebration 📈 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.