Front Office Sports Today

UFC is headed to Paramount behind a seven-year deal worth $7.7 billion. Mark Shapiro, president of UFC's holding company TKO, joins Front Office Sports Today to explain the factors that went into the decision and what comes next for UFC and combat sports as a whole as the pay-per-view model dies out. Plus, we hear from Saints special teamer J.T. Gray on what he believes is the NFL's most unsung position, the new kickoff rule, and Saints players' expectations for a season that has zero games on national TV. Also, FOS deals reporter Ben Horney tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington the ESPN-NFL deal could violate antitrust laws. Key Moments: 0:39 - NBA Christmas, Son Heung-Min makes MLS debut, Gronk replaces Jimmy Johnson on FOX 4:40 - TKO President Mark Shapiro explains UFC's $7.7B deal with Paramount 9:54 - Understanding NFL special teams With Saints safety J.T. Gray 17:33 - Could ESPN-NFL deal violate antitrust laws? 21:50 - Caitlin Clark's rookie card breaks a new record sale 📈 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.

Thursday night saw another dildo thrown onto the court at a WNBA game, with another landing in the stands. Now, a group has claimed responsibility for some of the incidents. FOS reporter Colin Salao was at the game last night and gives his firsthand account of the toss and what followed. Plus, tennis legend Lindsay Davenport joins Front Office Sports Today to offer her thoughts on the state of tennis as it pertains to technology integration, preserving tradition, and the new generation of stars. Also, Tom Brady gets a statue, Shedeur Sanders gets his opportunity, and the Celtics sale gets a big update. Key Moments: 0:35 - Celtics Sale, Canadian Open, Shedeur Sanders 4:22 - Another WNBA dildo incident 9:41 - Tennis HOFer Lindsay Davenport 17:15 - Prediction Markets on the rise 21:25 - Tom Brady statue

The WNBA trade deadline was at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, but there were only a few substantial trades made this week—a function of the CBA and roster limits, says FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile. Plus, LAFC has made official the largest MLS transfer in history, paying $26.5 million for Korean superstar Son Heung-min. MLS insider Tom Bogert explains why this moment is so massive for the league and how Lionel Messi factors into it all. Also, FOS media reporter Michael McCarthy spoke to the leads at ESPN and NFL about the new RedZone mega-deal worth at least $2.5 billion, and shares his takeaways with Renee Washington and FOS editor-in-chief Dan Roberts on Front Office Sports Today. Key Moments: 0:45 - First female ump, record US Open purse, smelling salts NFL ban update 3:54 - WNBA trade deadline 9:23 - MLS Insider Tom Bogert talks Son Heung-min signing 17:13 - New RedZone explained by ESPN and NFL execs 21:16 - Arch Manning draft status update

The NFL and ESPN finalized their merger, with the RedZone brand and other NFL properties heading to the network in exchange for a 10% stake worth at least $2.5 billion. FOS senior reporter Michael McCarthy joins the show to explain the details of the acquisition and how this impacts Scott Hanson, ESPN's journalistic integrity, and the streaming landscape as a whole. WWE is also joining the Disney family, which we get into with FOS media reporter Ryan Glasspiegel. Plus, we are joined in studio by WNBA legend Diana Taurasi, who has thoughts on the players' fight for pay equity, expansion of the league, and the recent incidents of sex toys being thrown onto the court during games. She also discusses her new documentary on Amazon Prime Video that showcases her career—the good and bad.

The NFL season is just weeks away, but there are still a handful of stars holding out for new deals, including Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons. NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic weighs in on Parsons and other negotiations around the league, the NFLPA's ongoing controversy, and the NFL's response to the NYC shooting that targeted the league office. Plus, the Connecticut Sun have a buyer, but WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has not presented the offer to the league's board of governors, according to FOS women's sports reporter Annie Costabile. She joins Renee Washington and Dan Roberts to explain the status of this sale and what's next. Also, we check on the trade status of NBA stars LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo with FOS reporter Colin Salao.

NFL RedZone is heading to ESPN ... unless President Donald Trump blocks the deal, says Tuned In columnist Michael McCarthy. He joins Derryl Barnes and Renee Washington to discuss the president's potential involvement in this deal and what the acquisition means for Scott Hanson and the commercial-free football we've come to love. Plus, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones continues to throw shade at Micah Parsons, telling fans "don't lose sleep" over the star linebacker's hold-in that has now turned into a trade request. FOS newsletter editor Matthew Tabeek joins the show to explain the reason for Jones’s confidence and what comes next in this ugly saga. Also, the Connecticut Sun have a buyer in place, but the WNBA doesn't approve yet; the Lakers commit to their franchise cornerstone; and the first NFL preseason game turns heads with massive viewership. Key Moments: 0:43 - Speedway Classic sets MLB record, Messi injured, Luka gets paid 3:56 - Micah Parsons requests trade from Dallas Cowboys 9:50 - NFL RedZone heading to ESPN? 17:30 - Celtics minority owners place a bid for the Connecticut Sun 22:06 - NFL Hall of Fame game viewership 📈 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.

An aggressive trade deadline concludes for the Phillies, Padres, Mariners, and Major League Baseball. One of the biggest sellers, the Twins, not only moved on from 40% of their roster, but they are also in the process of selling the franchise. FOS deals reporter and Asset Class newsletter writer Ben Horney breaks down the details as the longtime owner, the Pohlad family, tries to sell the team. Meanwhile, a new multisports event known as the Enhanced Games is expected to debut in May 2026 in Las Vegas, featuring swimming, track and field, and weightlifting. It also allows athletes to use performance-enhancing substances without being subject to drug tests. American swimmer Megan Romano has been announced as one of its featured athletes, and she joins to discuss details of the league, the impact of PEDs on recovery, and how she got involved in the new venture. And with the start of the NFL preseason, we are also getting deeper into NFL contract discussions for key players. NFL insider Lake Lewis Jr. weighs in on the latest around Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin and his trade request. Key Moments: 0:53 - NFL pilots Hawkeye tech, Mikal Bridges gets paid, GST payments 4:27 - MLB preps for playoffs, Minnesota Twins nearing sale 9:34 - Enhanced games allow for PEDs 17:14 - Terry McLaurin requests trade from Washington Commanders 21:15 - Game, Set, Matchmaker rolls out dating show 📈 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.

We now know more about that mysterious boat meeting last week in France between LeBron James, his business partner Maverick Carter, and Nikola Jokić’s European agent, as multiple sources tell Front Office Sports it was about the planned international basketball league being spearheaded by Carter. FOS deals reporter and Asset Class newsletter writer Ben Horney breaks down what we’re hearing about the encounter, plus the implications in relation to the NBA’s international expansion aspirations. Meanwhile, big news in the world of UFL, as Mike Repole, the billionaire cofounder of Vitaminwater and Body Armor, has made a major investment in the spring football league, making him a new co-owner. He will join an ownership group including Fox, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Dany Garcia, and RedBird Capital Partners. Repole tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington why he decided to purchase a stake in the challenger football league stating, “I think today is the first day of the United Football League.” And with the MLB trade deadline ticking down to its final hours, the Padres and Mariners made blockbuster moves to bolster their final playoff pushes, with Mason Miller and Eugenio Suárez both moving to the respective contenders. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher has the latest trade chatter, plus previews the MLB Speedway Classic over the weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway that will break the MLB single-game attendance record originally set in 1954 with more than 85,000 tickets sold. Key Moments: 0:42 - Shannon Sharpe out at ESPN, WNBA ratings up, Gilbert Arenas gambling arrest 4:48 - Maverick Carter's global basketball league 9:32 - Billionaire Mike Repole on UFL investment 17:06 - MLB trade deadline, speedway classic set to break records 21:21 - Michael Phelps teaches Ravens team how to swim 📈 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 continues to build up its European presence, as the league announced the Grizzlies and Magic will play two regular-season games this upcoming 2026–27 season in Europe, one in Berlin and a second in London. The announcement comes as the league is reportedly exploring its own European league in partnership with FIBA, with London as one of the potential cities to have a team. FOS reporter Alex Schiffer breaks down the league’s international hopes and explains what that infamous photo making the rounds on social media of LeBron James, Maverick Carter, and Nikola Jokić’s agent on a yacht in France could really be about. Meanwhile, WNBA star Sophie Cunningham continues to be big business, as the Indiana Fever guard launched a podcast called Show Me Something, cohosted by Cunningham and her childhood friend West Wilson of Bravo’s Summer House. FOS’s Tuned In writer Michael McCarthy has the latest on Cunningham’s deal with Colin Cowherd’s The Volume digital media company, plus Tracy McGrady joining his cousin Vince Carter as an analyst for NBC’s upcoming NBA coverage. And Happy Gilmore 2 is breaking records for Netflix, as the streamer says the film generated 46.7 million views over its first three days, the biggest U.S. opening weekend of all time for a Netflix film, as well as the best for one of Sandler’s movies. FOS contributor Jake Kring-Schreifels spoke to Sandler about how he was able to convince the best golfers in the world, such as Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau, to participate in the film and why other golf shows like Full Swing and Stick have become such a hit with audiences. Key Moments: 0:39 - Hendrickson ends holdout, Vegas FIFA draw, Marcus Morris SR. arrested 4:36 - Kurt Warner will lead YT NFL broadcast, Sophie Cunningham launches podcast 'Show Me Something', Tracy McGrady joins NBA on NBC Sports 9:50 - NBA plans to play regular season games in Europe, LeBron teams up with Jokic? 17:25 - How did 'Happy Gilmore 2' hook pro golf stars? 21:42 - Toronto Blue Jays acquire Seranthony Dominguez mid doubleheader 📈 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.

A horrifying situation unfolded in New York City as a 27-year-old shooter killed four people at a commercial building in midtown Manhattan, with his main target appearing to be the NFL's headquarters, according to Mayor Eric Adams. FOS reporter Amanda Christovich was on the scene Monday and has the latest on why the alleged gunman, Shane Tamura, targeted the league, and what commissioner Roger Goodell and the league's response has been. Meanwhile, ahead of MLB’s likely contentious labor talks in 2026, commissioner Rob Manfred has been meeting with players to communicate the league’s thoughts around a potential salary cap. However, his recent visit with the Phillies did not go as planned, as star Bryce Harper reportedly hurled expletives at the commissioner and told him to leave the clubhouse. ESPN content producer and Baseball Tonight podcast contributor Paul “Hembo” Hembekides tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington why there is profound worry about a potential labor stoppage. Plus, Luka Dončić gets shredded for the latest issue of Men's Health, the NBA reportedly might be looking to London as its first EuroLeague franchise, and Asset Class newsletter writer Ben Horney has an update on the former security guard suing the Phoenix Suns. Key Moments: 0:39 - LIV Tour $$$ increase, NBA Euro update, NFL contract updates 5:25 - NYC shooting at NFL HQ latest 10:14 - Harper vs. Manfred, Emmanuel Clase on leave 18:13 - Suns fire former head of security who is suing team 22:02 - 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.