Front Office Sports Today

Nick Dunlap, a 20-year-old sophomore at the University of Alabama, bested some of the world’s top golfers at the American Express tournament, but was ineligible to claim the $1.5 million first place prize due to his amateur status. The incident raises questions around how the PGA Tour operates, as Dunlap considers whether or not to turn professional or finish out the college golf season.Plus, Tiger Woods appears set to announce a deal with TaylorMade, Jim Ratcliffe makes his first big move as minority owner of Manchester United, and we dive into the increasingly murky picture of MLB, NBA, and NHL local broadcasts with The Athletic’s Evan Drellich.This episode is sponsored by:Autotrader: autotrader.com/seeitfindit

Sports Illustrated is laying off large swaths of its staff, following a missed payment by its managing company, The Arena Group, to SI’s parent company, Authentic Brands Group. The future of the venerated, 70-year-old publication is full of questions, including who will operate the magazine going forward. Front Office Sports senior reporter AJ Perez, who broke the story on the layoffs, joins to break down what we know about Sports Illustrated and its future.Plus, there is a massive difference in pay among quarterbacks of the remaining NFL teams, the Detroit Lions were Sunday’s hottest ticket, and the playoffs have raised the stature of fashion designer Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk.This episode is sponsored by:Autotrader: autotrader.com/seeitfindit

The ACC is trying to strip Florida State of its voting power on conference issues while the two sides are locked in a legal dispute. The enmity stems from FSU’s discontent over the ACC’s media deal, and the lack of conference competition that contributed to FSU being left out of the College Football Playoff after an undefeated season.Plus, we look at how conference realignment, NIL, and heavier use of the transfer portal are reshaping college basketball with Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney.

Amazon is buying into regional sports network provider Diamond Sports Group in a deal that will see the tech giant broadcasting local games. The deal represents a lifeline for Diamond, which remains in bankruptcy proceedings. MLB, the NHL, and NBA will now have to decide how to work with Amazon going forward. However, much remains to be determined as a complicated bundle of deals remain in court proceedings.Plus, as a league still introducing itself to much of its own country, Major League Soccer has room to experiment in a way that other, more established leagues don’t. MLS executive Chris Schlosser joins the show to discuss how MLS and Apple are innovating when it comes to the sports fan's experience.Host: Owen PoindexterProducer: Daniel MyrickThis episode is sponsored by:Autotrader: autotrader.com/seeitfindit

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.