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.

Move over, Wrexham. Birmingham City is the latest European soccer club to capture the world’s attention. The team is celebrating its 150th anniversary along with its latest promotion to the EFL Championship (the second tier of English soccer), with a little help from minority owner and NFL legend Tom Brady. Brady exclusively tells Baker Machado and Renee Washington why he purchased a stake in the club, what makes him a good owner, as well as the team’s new documentary Built in Birmingham: Brady & the Blues, which streams on Amazon Prime Video on Aug. 1. Meanwhile, one of the biggest training camp holdouts has finally ended, as Shemar Stewart and the Bengals came to terms on a new deal, making him the last first-round pick to sign with his team. NFL insider Jordan Schultz explains how Stewart’s deal came together.  He also has the latest on Terry McLaurin's negotiations with the Commanders. And after being out of the public eye for some time, Colorado football coach Deion Sanders revealed he was treated for and successfully beat bladder cancer after doctors found a tumor that required surgery. FOS reporter David Rumsey has the latest on when Coach Prime will be able to return to the Buffaloes’ sidelines and why he did not reveal his diagnosis to his sons Shedeur and Shilo until now. Key Moments: 0:38 - MLB hall of fame inductions, Messi "upset," historic NASCAR final at Indy 5:12 - NFL training camp holdouts with Jordan Schultz 9:49 - Tom Brady on FOS Today 17:29 - Deion Sanders beats bladder cancer 21:30 - Nikola Jokic celebrates horse racing win 📈 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.

President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to mitigate the "unprecedented threat" to college athletics and prevent athletes from being considered professionals. FOS college sports reporter Amanda Christovich explains the order and how it impacts the ongoing contention between NIL collaborators, the NCAA, and the federal government around the employment status of college athletes. Plus, Bill Belichick addressed a huge media crowd at ACC Kickoff to explain his vision for the UNC Tar Heels, and why the current college landscape is "not that different from the NFL". FOS newsletter writer David Rumsey was at the event and joins Renee Washington and Baker Machado to break it all down, including some chatter that UNC could eventually look to join the SEC behind their $10M dollar coach. Also, we hear about FIFA's efforts to attract a younger audience through video games including Roblox, Caitlin Clark's rookie card sells for a record amount, and Christian Wilkins is in a complicated situation with the NFLPA after having $35M voided by the Raiders. Key Moments: 0:39 - Wilkins NFLPA grievance, Caitlin Clark injury update, Skydance/CBS merger 5:34 - Trump signs executive order stating "college athletes are not employees" 9:52 - Bill Belichick speaks at ACC Kickoff, takeaways from ACC media days 17:29 - FIFA strikes a deal with Roblox 21:29 - Caitlin Clark's rookie card sells for $660K 📈 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.

It’s been a challenging first year for Grand Slam Track, as the start-up league canceled its final slam event in June and reportedly still owes millions to its athletes. Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and former U.S. Olympian, exclusively told FOS Today the reason for the financial struggles—a key investor backed out—and discussed its future. Read the full exclusive here on FOS. Meanwhile, on the heels of a Lionel Messi–less MLS All-Star Game, commissioner Don Garber met with team governors in Austin and says the league is still working on a potential “seismic” schedule change that would align MLS with the rest of the global soccer calendar, playing from fall to spring. FOS newsletter writer Eric Fisher explains why a future schedule change might not happen until 2027, plus he combs through data on how many fans are watching the games on Apple TV+. And Big Ten media days wrap in Las Vegas, and FOS reporter Amanda Christovich tells Baker Machado and Dan Roberts about her conversation with commissioner Tony Petitti about the potential for private equity to flow into the conference. Key Moments: 0:37 - Hulk Hogan dies at 71, NFL record financials, NBC's new sports channel 4:22 - MLS commissioner Don Garber on potential "seismic" schedule change, viewership on Apple TV 9:48 - Grand Slam Track Founder Michael Johnson 17:45 - BIG 10 media days recap 21:03 - Sophie Cunningham fined for TikTok post 📈 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.