With every passing day, what exactly the Oakland A’s are up to becomes more and more of a mystery. Melissa Lockard of The Athletic joins us with thoughts on where the A’s will play next season and whether they will ever make it to Las Vegas. Plus, with the MLS season starting, Apple is releasing a docuseries on Lionel Messi—we speak with the executive producers of the show. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé looks to trademark his signature goal celebration before heading to Real Madrid, while Barcelona faces another major cut to its spending limit.

Cleveland is a top-20 market and home to some of the most-beloved franchises in sports. Now there is momentum to launch a National Women's Soccer League team, including funding earmarked for a new stadium. The founders of the group behind this big-league push join the show to discuss all the moving parts involved with the ambitious plan. Plus, the NBA All-Star Game produced almost as many points as complaints, while the Steph Curry-Sabrina Ionescu three-point contest pointed toward the weekend’s potential, MLS is likely to begin its season with replacement referees, and the Chicago White Sox want $1 billion from the state.

The NBA All-Star Game has gone from being just a top-shelf scrimmage to a full weekend of concerts—Lil Wayne! Keith Urban! T-Pain!—panels, and events. NBA Senior Vice President, Head of Event Strategy and Management Joey Graziano joins the show to discuss the evolution of the game and what the league learned from the first in-season tournament. Plus, Wilson is selling a $2,500 basketball, Comcast is using Caitlin Clark’s record chase to drive Peacock subscriptions, and MLB players are less than thrilled with their new Nike-Fanatics uniforms. This episode is sponsored by: Autotrader: autotrader.com/seeitfindit

Nikola Jokić is a singular basketball player, but he is emblematic of a talent pipeline from Serbia that is growing in prominence for the NBA. The New Yorker’s Louisa Thomas joins the episode to discuss the Serbian team that produced the superstar, the challenges of marketing Jokić, and what he means for the future of the NBA. Plus, Oakland and the A’s are talking again, and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo tells FOS's Mike McCarthy how ESPN changed his life. This episode is sponsored by: Autotrader: autotrader.com/seeitfindit

The NHL is looking to this weekend’s Stadium Series to help grow interest in the league. With team values rising, the league is expected to expand in the coming years. However, a hiatus from the Olympics and a fumbled response to the question of whether players can wear pride tape on their sticks shows a league that sometimes causes its own problems. ESPN’s Emily Kaplan joins the show to discuss the state of the league. Plus, Tiger Woods begins his next chapter, the Oakland A’s will have the first female lead play-by-play announcer in MLB history, and the Kansas City Royals campaign to fund a new downtown ballpark. This episode is sponsored by: Autotrader: autotrader.com/seeitfindit

The NFL just wrapped up arguably its biggest season yet, and now faces some compelling offseason questions: Will the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders secure new stadium deals? Can the league continue to push the envelope on streaming-exclusive broadcasts? What opportunities are there for the week one Friday game in Brazil? We dive into those issues, plus Sara Bernstein and Justin Wilkes, executive producers of an upcoming Apple TV docuseries on the New England Patriots, join to discuss how they chronicled one of the most dominant teams in NFL history.

Sin City saw its rise as a sports city come to fruition with Sunday’s Super Bowl, but more and more economists are questioning the value of hosting major sporting events. The city is also learning the quirks of Oakland A’s owner John Fisher, as he seeks funding for a new stadium on the Las Vegas Strip. FOS contributor Dan Kaplan and The Athletic columnist Tim Kawakami join the show to discuss the perils and profits that the city has felt as a high-profile sports destination.

The spectacle that is Super Bowl week is reaching new heights in Las Vegas. Long before kickoff, NFL players, media personnel, celebrities, and brands flooded the city for both business and pleasure. Ahead of the game, our writers on the scene join for a roundtable talk on the wild week. Plus, a development firm put out ambitious renderings for a new Chicago White Sox stadium, the NBA is embracing the flow of money from the Middle East, and Patrick Beverly broke the news of his own trade.

Disney’s quarterly earnings showed strength at ESPN and narrow losses from its streaming services. This week, ESPN announced both a joint streaming venture with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery, and a separate standalone product that will put the ESPN cable channel on a streaming service along with ESPN Bet integration and other features. We dive into how the network is shaping its cord-cutting strategy. Plus, Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, and Phil Simms chime in from Radio Row, we have exclusive data on whether fans would pay to watch the Super Bowl, and the Boston Red Sox are getting the “Hard Knocks” treatment.

A ruling by the National Labor Relations Board puts college athletes on the path to becoming employees of their schools. While appeals are expected, the NCAA could face an equally tough audience from the Supreme Court, should the case progress that far. Plus, the mayor of Las Vegas responds to the reaction from her interview on this show, ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery are launching a sports-focused streaming service, and we look back on the NFL season and ahead to the NFL draft with ESPN’s Matt Miller. This episode is sponsored by: Autotrader: autotrader.com/seeitfindit

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman applauds the city’s rise as a sports destination with one exception: the Oakland A’s. Mayor Goodman told Front Office Sports that she believes the team’s plans at the Tropicana site don’t make sense and that the team ought to stay in Oakland. She also discussed a potential NBA team there, and how the city will adjust in future years hosting Formula 1 to mitigate harm to small businesses. Plus, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell held his annual Super Bowl press conference, FIFA announced the World Cup final host, Inter Miami’s international tour has disappointed Lionel Messi fans, and the Kansas City Royals made one of the biggest signings in baseball history.

The NFL has embraced sports betting with its first Super Bowl in Las Vegas, but the league’s gambling by-laws present a maze of potential hazards for the hundreds of players that will be in Sin City for the week. Players on NFL rosters have to navigate detailed regulations on casino events and the rules around sportsbook locations. The situation is primed for rule breaking, whether intentional or accidental.  Plus, Kylian Mbappe has reportedly picked a new team, NHL players will participate in the next two Winter Olympics, and we dive into the strange world of Super Bowl ads with USA Today’s Rick Suter.

A documentary film on Providence and its former head basketball coach Ed Cooley from an anonymous social media user known as “Blue Demon Degenerate” caused a huge stir. The project raises questions about creator content and journalistic ethics. The doc has rippled throughout sports media and prompted an apology from writer Jeff Goodman over messages he sent to the filmmaker. Plus, a University of Tennessee lawsuit against the NCAA presents another threat to amateurism, and Lewis Hamilton is leaving Mercedes for Ferrari.

Peter Angelos has agreed to sell the Baltimore Orioles after owning them for 31 years. The new ownership group is led by private equity executive and Baltimore native David Rubenstein. It includes Hall of Famers Cal Ripken Jr. and Grant Hill, as well as former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, and prompts questions on how this will alter team operations and whether it will lead to the sale of the Washington Nationals. Sam Dingman, co-host of the Orioles podcast The Rumor, joins the show to discuss what this means for the team and their fans. Plus, the PGA Tour has secured a $1.5 billion investment that could rise to $3 billion as it continues to negotiate with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The deal bolsters the future of the leading golf organization as it works to determine the future of the sport.

Newly released deposition transcripts revealed insensitive statements by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. In one instance Goodell referred to former NFL players who committed suicide and left notes asking for their brains to be studied, saying, “I think players who want to participate in the research necessary to advance science is a positive thing for us.” Plus: the second half of our conversation with Tom Brady, in which he discusses how he's preparing to take over as Fox’s lead color commentator and why he wants to own an NFL team. This episode is sponsored by: Autotrader: autotrader.com/seeitfindit

Tom Brady joins the show to tell us why he is merging his wellness company, TB12, and apparel company, Brady Brand with the footwear and apparel company NOBULL. Brady and NOBULL owner Mike Repole discuss the deal, and the shared vision they are bringing to the venture. The merger is set to be one of the defining moves of Brady’s post-playing career. Plus: With two popular teams, the spectacle of Las Vegas, and a possible Taylor Swift appearance, Super Bowl LVIII is shaping up to be one of the most-watched and expensive sporting events ever. This episode is sponsored by: Autotrader: autotrader.com/seeitfindit

Paramount Global is exploring a sale as cord cutting continues to eat into its margins and its deal for NFL rights creates as many problems as it solves. CNBC’s Alex Sherman joins for an in-depth report on the trajectory of the legacy media company, and its longtime competitors, Comcast, Disney, and Fox. Plus, Jannik Sinner claims his place in tennis’ youth movement with an Australian Open victory, NBA commissioner Adam Silver is nearing an extension, and the NFL teased something happening in Accra, Ghana. This episode is sponsored by: Autotrader: autotrader.com/seeitfindit

A trial brought by the National Labor Relations Board has produced uncomfortable moments for representatives of USC, as schools and the NCAA hope to maintain the amateurism model and prevent college athletes from becoming employees. Reporter Amanda Christovich reports from Los Angeles on some of the trial’s head-turning moments. Plus, North Carolina is legalizing sports betting just in time for the ACC and NCAA tournaments, Ohio State is spending big to topple Michigan, and we look into the future of sports economics, including the role of private equity and the viability of major events like the Olympics with Deloitte analyst Pete Giorgio. This episode is sponsored by: Autotrader: autotrader.com/seeitfindit

The Los Angeles Times became the latest major media outlet to announce deep cuts to its staff. The paper will not have a traveling beat writer with the Dodgers in Shohei Ohtani’s first year with the team. The cuts speak to broader issues in the media world, as legacy publications look for a sustainable model. Plus, Salt Lake City is looking to become the next big sports hub, Doc Rivers’ departure could mean Doris Burke’s time to shine, and former Miami Marlins president David Samson joins to discuss the struggles the Oakland A’s are having in securing funding for their new stadium, the changes coming to local sports broadcasting, and why Red Sox fans are mad at the team’s ownership. This episode is sponsored by: Autotrader: autotrader.com/seeitfindit

Netflix has leapt into the live sports ring with a 10-year deal for WWE’s Raw, worth more than $5 billion. The move gives Netflix a weekly live program with a devoted audience, and could augur further steps into sports. We also look at a potential labor strike by MLS referees and another viewership record broken by the NFL. Plus, ESPN’s Jay Bilas joins to discuss the state of college basketball as the NCAA attempts to cling to amateurism and prevent college athletes from gaining employment status. Bilas argues that the NCAA is attempting to apply standards to college athletes that don’t exist for anyone else in the American economy. This episode is sponsored by: Autotrader: autotrader.com/seeitfindit

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 Poindexter Producer: Daniel Myrick This 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.

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.

On FOS Today, we’re ringing in the new year with all of our predictions for what is going to happen in 2024. Will Disney sell ESPN? Is Las Vegas the new sports capital of the world? Will the NFL finally announce plans for an international division? Owen Poindexter hosts a roundtable discussion with all of our writers and reporters on what’s to come in the year ahead.

With Taylor Swift taking over the NFL, Prime Time in Colorado, or the ongoing saga between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, it is easy to say that a lot has happened this year. No one is more aware of that than our two newsletter co-authors, Eric Fisher and David Rumsey. As we continue our review of 2023, Fisher and Rumsey join FOS Today to share their favorite stories of the year—and with so much to talk about, make sure you check out this jam-packed episode.

This year, the sports world was rife with controversy — from Dan Snyder's troubled era of the Washington Commanders coming to an end, to Brett Favre's welfare scandal in Mississippi, to P.J. Fleck's questionable behavior in Minnesota. The person responsible for breaking each of these stories, FOS' senior reporter A.J. Perez, joins us to break down what it was like reporting on the biggest controversies of 2023.

NIL. Conference realignment. The transfer portal. The world of college sports is ever-changing, and this has never been more apparent than in 2023. On the latest episode of FOS Today, we are taking a look back at all of the biggest stories to come out of the collegiate landscape — including the shifting NIL landscape, the rise of women's athletics, and the fall of the Pac-12. To help us out, we spoke with our resident college athletics expert, Reporter Amanda Christovich.

With the year coming to an end, we decided to use this week to take a look back at all the biggest stories of the year from Front Office Sports. To start off our 2023 review, we brought on Senior Writer Michael McCarthy to discuss the most important narratives in sports media — including the fall of regional sports networks, streaming giants entering the sports landscape, and the upcoming battle for the NBA's media rights.

Warner Bros. Discovery is in talks with Paramount about a merger. A combined entity could bring together NFL and NBA rights, and unite the companies that collaborate around March Madness. However, WBD could pivot to Comcast, and any deal would attract ample regulator scrutiny. Plus, we look at FC Barcelona taking desperate measures to address its dire finances, the top female athlete earners, and Florida State potentially ramping up its efforts to leave the ACC.

Major League Soccer and U.S. Soccer are in a dispute regarding whether MLS teams will participate in the U.S. Open Cup. The fight pits the largest entities in American soccer against each other as the sport continues to surge in popularity. Plus, Erik Allebest, CEO of Chess.com joins to discuss Endeavor’s investment in the company, their plans to make chess a spectacle with mainstream appeal and how Chess.com is addressing lingering concerns over cheating.

The NFL has seven national broadcasts this week, with all of its major media partners involved. That includes three games on Christmas, typically the NBA’s territory. Front Office Sports newsletter co-author Eric Fisher joins the show to discuss the league’s ever more ambitious media plans. Plus, U.S. Ski & Snowboard president and CEO Sophie Goldschmidt discusses the state of winter sports in the U.S., the Winter Olympics, the growing revenue of her organization, and how snow sports are responding to a changing climate.

Amazon is in talks with Diamond Sports Group on a deal that could lead to the tech and retail giant becoming a broadcaster of local MLB, NBA, and NHL games. The reported talks come on the heels of a MLB and Diamond reaching a framework agreement on broadcasts for the 2024 season. The uncertainty around local media revenues has led to some MLB teams taking a tentative approach to spending this offseason. Plus, Front Office Sports reporter Amanda Christovich calls in from Los Angeles, where a trial is underway that could lead to college football and basketball athletes becoming employees, with all the associated rights and benefits.

MLB is approaching a deal with regional sports network owner Diamond Sports Group that would provide certainty on costs and plans teams that have contracts with Diamond. However, that clarity will only last a year, as 2025 and beyond remain an open question regarding baseball’s media future. We also look at two woeful NFL teams and the latest voice calling for wholesale change in college sports. Plus, we hear from Bay FC CEO Brady Stewart on launching an expansion team with huge expectations. Bay FC will play its inaugural NWSL season next year. It enters with the reported largest sponsorship deal in league history, as the NWSL looks to capitalize on the momentum from its groundbreaking media rights deal.

The Washington Wizards and Capitals, both owned by Ted Leonsis’ Monumental Sports and Entertainment, have a framework in place for a deal to move to Virginia, but many questions and hurdles remain. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C., is still working to retain both teams as it tries to lure back the Commanders. We also look at stunning details that have emerged about Shohei Ohtani’s contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and MLB’s latest attempt to stoke interest in its prospects. Plus, we hear from Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan on what it takes to put on bowl games like the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl and the Pop Tarts Bowl, including the story behind the latter’s edible mascot.

ESPN's Matt Miller joins Front Office Sports Today to break down his thoughts on the College Football Playoff Controversy, how NIL and the transfer portal have reshaped college football, and the biggest narratives of this NFL season. We also dive into the NFL's plans to play a 2024 regular-season game in São Paulo, Brazil, and the Super Bowl heading back to Los Angeles for the second time in five years in 2027.

Shohei Ohtani’s deal rocked the baseball world, first with its incredible $700 million worth, then with the news that all but $20 million will be deferred until after the contract expires. Former Miami Marlins president David Samson argues that the deal is a problem for MLB and will cause in-fighting between team owners. We also look at a unique marketing campaign created by Tom Brady and Topps with help from three MLB Hall of Famers, the latest from David Tepper's coaching carousel, and ratings from the in-season tournament that will have the NBA seeing dollar signs.

Negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund are heating up following the departure of Jon Rahm for LIV Golf and the approaching Dec. 31 deadline to strike a deal. Front Office Sports senior reporter AJ Perez shares what he’s hearing from his sources regarding the negotiations. We also check in on Netflix’ latest live sports event and lessons learned from the NBA’s in-season tournament. Plus, Serie A’s U.S. managing director Andy Mitchell discusses the top-flight Italian soccer league’s plans to grow in the U.S. with the World Cup and other major international soccer tournaments arriving Stateside in the next few years.