

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 hosts, Baker and Renee as they offer insightful commentary on breaking news and engage in conversations surrounding the biggest headlines, with guest appearances from athletes, executives, experts and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 2, 2025 • 24min
Top-Paid College Football Coaches Lose Big | Insider on Caitlin Clark's New Shoe: Most Hyped Since LeBron's
College football's first full weekend saw a slew of upsets, but the real story was five of the 10 highest-paid coaches losing outright. FOS college sports reporter Amanda Christovich joins Baker Machado and editor-in-chief Dan Roberts to discuss the first-week flops, including Bill Belichick, Kalen DeBoer, and Deion Sanders.
Plus, Caitlin Clark's first signature shoe is set to be released in 2026 as she becomes just the fifth active WNBA player with her own shoe deal. Sneaker insider Nick DePaula gives us a peek behind the curtain of this extensive process and explains what is at stake for Nike to get this right as they prepare for their biggest brand addition since LeBron James.
Also, we get a breakdown of what football positions get the most NIL dollars among power conferences, the ACC cracks down on Florida State after their big win over Alabama, and Alexander Isak sets a Premier League transfer fee record.

Aug 29, 2025 • 24min
Micah Parsons Trade: Terrible Look for NFL? | Bubba Wallace Talks Michael Jordan, NASCAR Playoffs
Micah Parsons is heading to Green Bay, but the saga around his trade request and Jerry Jones's comments throughout the process may be indicative of a larger problem in the NFL around the dynamics between ownership and players.
Plus, NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace joins us to preview the Cup Series playoffs, which start this weekend. He also talks about his relationship with 23XI team owner Michael Jordan, the status of the team’s ongoing lawsuit against NASCAR, and how he's balancing being a new parent and a top driver.
Also, we hear from former NBA player Chase Budinger, who now is one of volleyball's biggest stars. Budinger joins us ahead of the AVP League Championships this weekend, where his team will look to bring home the hardware for the second straight season.

Aug 28, 2025 • 25min
Doris Burke Demoted, Ryen Russillo to Barstool | Darren Rovell Talks $13M Jordan-Kobe Card
Doris Burke is out from ESPN's NBA Finals crew, with Tim Legler replacing her on the first team. FOS Tuned In reporter Ryan Glasspiegel gives us the latest on that, plus his scoop on Ryen Russillo going to Barstool and more.
Plus, Darren Rovell joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to chat the highest selling piece of sports memorabilia ever, a Jordan-Kobe dual logoman card that sold for nearly $13M earlier this week to Kevin O'Leary of 'Shark Tank' and two other buyers.
Also, we hear from A's first baseman Tyler Soderstrom on playing through the Sacramento era, his success this season, and a partnership that was too perfect to pass up.
Key Moments:
0:39 - Dawn Staley & Knicks, Ishbia being sued, Medvedev fined
4:45 - Doris Burke, Ryen Russillo, other media stories
10:01 - A's first baseman Tyler Soderstrom
17:57 - Darren Rovell on MJ/Kobe card
22:29 - Skip Bayless and Gilbert Arenas team up

Aug 27, 2025 • 24min
NFL Lifts Broadcast Restrictions for Tom Brady | Inside the USMNT's Feud
The ”Brady Rules” could be no more, as the NFL has lifted a major restriction placed on Tom Brady and will allow him to join production meetings with teams, sources tell FOS. Editor-in-chief Dan Roberts joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain the new rules and the precedent they set for other broadcasters around the NFL.
Plus, the feud between Christian Pulisic and former USMNT players has been ugly, but head coach Mauricio Pochettino wants to put it all behind them. Soccer analyst and Yanks Abroad host Will Balsam takes us through this saga and assesses how the U.S. will fare against the rest of the globe during the FIFA men’s World Cup next year.
We also check in with Esports Nations Cup CEO Ralf Reichert, Keegan Bradley makes his Ryder Cup captain's choices, and the sports world reacts to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement.

Aug 26, 2025 • 24min
Dave Portnoy Banned From Ohio State? | WNBA Lockout Could Be Coming
Dave Portnoy will not be allowed inside the Horseshoe during Fox's Big Noon Kickoff for Ohio State vs. Texas this weekend, but nobody wants to take responsibility for the ban. Ohio State says it was Fox's decision, Portnoy says it was the Buckeyes. FOS media reporter Ryan Glasspiegel had the scoop on this and explains what it means for Portnoy and Barstool during this upcoming CFB season.
Plus, the WNBA seems to be headed for a lockout, with CBA talks stalling ahead of the October 31st deadline. FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile reports that a work stoppage is likely, but not certain. She joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain where things stand.
Also, Darelle Revis calls out Jerry Jones for violating the CBA, Caitlin Clark drops a new logo, and 'Babe Ruth' is getting sued.
Key Moments:
0:36 - Caitlin Clark's new logo, Venmo-NCAA partnership, YouTube-Fox standoff
5:00- Dave Portnoy banned from Ohio State this weekend
9:53 - WNBA lockout loading?
17:50 - NFL roster deadline day
21:29 - "Babe Ruth" accused of fraud

Aug 25, 2025 • 24min
Inside the Rough Start for US Open | NFL Season Primer with Devin McCourty
The US Open changed to its first 15-day schedule, but players are not happy about it, says FOS reporter Colin Salao. He joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain the scheduling situation and the brutal moment in Daniil Medvedev's opener where a photographer mistakenly walked onto the court and caused an uproar in the crowd that delayed the match.
Plus, former Patriots cornerback and NBC football analyst Devin McCourty gives his thoughts on Micah Parsons's holdout, Travis Hunter's NFL position, and Shedeur Sanders's outlook with the Cleveland Browns. He also speaks about the media feud between his former head coach Bill Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft, which only seems to be getting worse.
Also, Tommy Fleetwood has his moment, Terry McLaurin ends his holdout, and the NFL makes a surprising choice as its first official fashion sponsor.
Key Moments:
0:37 - Terry McLaurin new deal, Michigan's QB, Bay FC attendance record
4:52 - US Open controversial start
9:56 - Devin McCourty joins
17:09 - Tommy Fleetwood's magic moment
21:04 - NFL official "fashion partner"

Aug 22, 2025 • 24min
Victor Cruz on Big 12 Kickoff, CFB Parity, Giants QB Room | Micah Parsons and Jerry Jones Double Down
Victor Cruz shares his insights on the upcoming Big 12 season and the widening gap in college football competitiveness. In the NFL, a dramatic contract dispute unfolds between Jerry Jones and Micah Parsons’ agent, stirring controversy. The MLB’s fragmented media deals are projected to net over $550 million. The chat also touches on the Giants' defense and quarterback dynamics as they gear up for the season, alongside the SEC’s conference changes and the NFL's crackdown on celebrations. The atmosphere is charged with excitement and uncertainty!

Aug 21, 2025 • 24min
Paige Bueckers, WNBA Stars Carrying Without Caitlin Clark | PFL Owner Donn Davis: $7.7B UFC Deal a "Huge Win"
Paige Bueckers exploded for 44 points on Wednesday night, the most ever for a rookie. As Caitlin Clark continues nursing an injury, Bueckers is just the latest display of the deep stardom that exists around the league outside of Clark. FOS reporter Colin Salao joins Baker Machado and Renee Washington to explain how the WNBA is still poised for success outside of its most notable name.
Plus, Donn Davis joins the show to talk through the PFL World Championships, his public dispute with top fighter Francis Ngannou, and why the new $7.7 Billion UFC deal with Paramount is a big win for the PFL as well.
Also, Tuned In reporter Mike McCarthy gives us the latest from the media world, including NBC's new dominance, Rich Eisen's resurgence, and ESPN's new streaming service.
Key Moments:
0:34 - Micah Parsons update, Premier League ratings, Pac-12 new member3:59 - Bueckers carrying without Clark?9:38 - PFL co-founder Donn Davis17:05 - NBC's dominance, Rich Eisen resurgence, new ESPN app21:21 - Inter Miami's strange coaching situation

Aug 20, 2025 • 24min
A First Look at ESPN’s New Streaming App | Tony Hawk: Skateboarding Is ‘Hotter Than Ever’
We are just a day away from ESPN’s new highly anticipated $29.99 a month direct-to-consumer streaming service, which ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro calls “industry shaping.” FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher got a first look at the new service and breaks down all the features, including a TikTok-style vertical video experience called Verts, as well as a personalized daily version of SportsCenter, tailored to each user’s favorite teams and leagues.
Meanwhile, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington that skateboarding hasn’t lost its coolness factor after all these years, saying it’s “hotter than ever."
Plus, we look at the data behind the women's sports boom, Anthony Richardson’s future with the Colts, and whether MLB’s Home Run Derby could find a future home on Netflix.
Key Moments
0:34 - Richardon's future, WNBA attendance record, MLB TV rights update
4:36 - Early look at ESPN's new streaming service
10:00 - Tony Hawk joins the show
17:29 - Understanding women's sports boom
20:52 - Little League bat flip auction

Aug 19, 2025 • 24min
Alcaraz vs. Sinner: Greatest Tennis Rivalry Ever? | Julian Edelman on Pats Dynasty, Mike Vrabel Era
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz met head-to-head this week for the 14th time, with Sinner retiring early from the Cincinnati Open due to illness. Despite that, there's a very real chance these two meet in the final for the U.S. Open, which begins next week. Giri Nathan, author of Changeover, explains where this rivalry ranks in the history of tennis and what to expect going forward.
Plus, Patriots legend Julian Edelman gives his assessment of new head coach Mike Vrabel and tells us where things stand with the members of the New England dynasty as Tom Brady's statue is unveiled.
Also, the NBA could restrict player props, YouTube finalizes its NFL crew for the Brazil game that will be livestreamed, and we have a record-setting transfer fee in the NWSL.
Key Moments:
0:35 - NFL in Brazil, record NWSL transfer, Texas AD gets the bag
4:53 - Alcaraz vs Sinner
9:49 - Patriots legend Julian Edelman joins the show
17:40 - NBA player prop limitations
21:54 - NFL team Crocs