Front Office Sports Today

Tennis has long been one of the more most buttoned-up of professional sports. Most major tournaments prize civility and discourage noise during play. However, the Australian Open is tacking in the opposite direction with live music and a two-story bar by one of the courts. Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated joins us to discuss the changing face of tennis, a potential merger between the men’s and women’s tours, and how money from Saudi Arabia could change things.Plus, the Detroit Lions’ first playoff win in 32 years is bringing a surge of excitement and a spike in ticket prices, and the busy NFL coaching carousel could see even more spots open up.Check out Autotrader.com/seeitfindit

Sub-Zero temperatures in Kansas City's "Peacock Bowl," an utter collapse by the Dallas Cowboys, and the Lions first playoff win in over 30 years made for a wild weekend in the NFL. Newsletter co-authors Eric Fisher and David Rumsey break down the wild-card weekend that lived up to its name.Afterward, soccer reporter Ben Jacobs joins Owen Poindexter to share all his thoughts on this season's international transfer window — including Kylian Mbappe's future and the implications of Premier League clubs' financial fair play violations.

With Bill Belichick leaving the New England Patriots, a quarter of the NFL has head coach vacancies. Andrew Brandt joins us to discuss why Belichick and the Pats parted ways, the retirement of Nick Saban, Pete Carroll’s exit from his head coaching role with the Seahawks, and the NFL’s lack of patience for success.Plus, ESPN had a very strange day in which Pat McAfee reversed course on his announcement that he would take a break from having Aaron Rodgers on his show, and it was reported that the company secured Emmys for its on-air talent under false pretenses for 14 years.

The Houston Texans are set to host a playoff game amid an unfolding ownership squabble. Robert Cary McNair Jr. has issued a court request for guardianship over the estate of his mother, controlling owner Janice McNair, a move opposed by Janice and another of her sons, Texans CEO Cal McNair.Plus, we dive into the drama surrounding the growing number of NFL coaching vacancies and the big narratives of the NFL playoffs with ESPN’s Matt Miller.

Aaron Rodgers continued his public feud with Jimmy Kimmel on Tuesday, using Pat McAfee’s show as a platform. Meanwhile, McAfee is facing off against powerful ESPN executive Norby Williamson. All of it adds up to drama—and possibly big ratings—at ESPN, as the conversation has transcended sports and expanded into the mainstream.Plus, we take a look at the NBA’s efforts to grow in Europe, particularly in France, with Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama turbo-charging interest in his home country.

Tiger Woods and Nike have parted ways after 27 years of working together. We dive into how the relationship is unlike nearly any other in modern sports history and we may not see anything comparable for a long time.Plus, the Washington Commanders have parted ways with head coach Ron Rivera, and are taking a unique approach to replacing him. The Kansas City Royals and Chiefs have offered the voters of Jackson County a stadium deal, and Mark Cuban and the new Dallas Mavericks ownership are giving out big bonuses.

The College Football Playoff final features two teams in transition. Washington represents the Pac-12, but ironically played an active role in dismantling the conference. Meanwhile, Michigan is fighting for a championship while its storied coach, Jim Harbaugh, may be eyeing a gig in the NFL.Plus, we look at another dominant year in viewership for the NFL, the rise of the Houston Texans, and we hear from Nick Carparelli, executive director of Bowl Season, on what’s working and what needs to change in college football.

ESPN and the NCAA struck an eight-year, $920 million deal for broadcast rights to 40 championships, including the women’s March Madness tournament. Women’s Division I sports comprised more than half of the value in the deal at $65 million annually.Plus, the Oakland A’s shut out the Oakland B’s, Las Vegas business owners are threatening to sue Clark County over losses related to the city’s Formula 1 race, and Brent Chapman, CEO of myNILpay, offers a window into the chaotic world of college athlete compensation.

Aaron Rodgers and Jimmy Kimmel are in a public spat that has Kimmel threatening legal action. That’s an issue for Disney, owner of ABC and ESPN, which respectively broadcast Jimmy Kimmel Live and the Pat McAfee show, on which Rodgers is a regular guest.Plus, Andrew Brandt joins to discuss the fight between the Denver Broncos and their quarterback, Russell Wilson, after the Broncos said they would bench Wilson if he didn’t restructure his contract.

A deadline between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund came and went with no deal, but the two sides continue to talk. Meanwhile, the PGA Tour appears to be nearing a deal with a separate group of sports team owners to provide additional funds and a backup should negotiations with the PIF fall apart.Plus, the Professional Women’s Hockey League launched, Jim Harbaugh may have one foot out the door, and we dive into the world of stadium concerts and the complications and benefits they present to teams.