Ripken on World Series, Team Ownership and Soto Pursuit

The NFL is at its pivotal halfway point and teams have to make crucial decisions about their season's trajectory. Ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, the Saints fired head coach Dennis Allen after their seventh consecutive loss. Front Office Sports newsletter writer David Rumsey joins the show with insights on the NFL's coaching carousel and the looming trade deadline. Plus, regional sports network deals are going to play a major role in MLB's offseason. Evan Drellich of The Athletic joins to discuss the fallout of baseball's changing media landscape. Also, the Yankees hold on to Gerrit Cole and an NBA team had to take the New York City subway to its game.

A top international MLB prospect had his offer from the Padres rescinded after an investigation revealed he was five years older than his paperwork indicated. Plus, Gerrit Cole opted out for the Yankees, throwing another potential wrench into an already pivotal offseason for the pinstripes.  Front Office Sports newsletter writer Eric Fisher joins with the latest in MLB.  Also, Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu joins the show to discuss the team’s unexpected early success, Adam Silver wants an NBA team in Mexico City, and a top SEC program unveils a stunning new facility.

This college football season has been defined by conference realignment and a looming 12-team College Football Playoff at the year's end. More than halfway through the regular season, we are joined by Front Office Sports newsletter writer David Rumsey to discuss who has been affected most by realignment so far, good or bad. Also, presidential candidates are using college football to appeal to new audiences ahead of Tuesday's election. FOS college sports reporter Amanda Christovich joins to break down the political significance of college football, especially in swing states.

Cal Ripken watched the Los Angeles Dodgers win a World Series, and now he is hoping to bring a championship to Baltimore as part-owner of the Orioles. He joined the show to discuss the series, Juan Soto’s free agency, building a successful MLB roster, and how the new Orioles ownership will be different from the previous one. Plus, Front Office Sports newsletter writer Eric Fisher analyzes the MLB offseason, and how certain teams may be constrained by an uncertain media situation. Also, Unrivaled expands, Patrick Mahomes wants a WNBA team, and the media tries to drum up an NBA rivalry while the players involved brush it off.

The 2024 presidential election is just five days away, and some of the most notable owners in sports have made significant financial contributions to candidates. Front Office Sports breaking news reporters Margaret Fleming and Alex Schiffer dove into the largest donations from sports team owners, and they join the show to reveal their findings. Plus, Blake Griffin might be the next big name to launch a a broadcasting career. Tuned In columnist Mike McCarthy discusses Amazon and NBC's interest in the former All-Star. Also, the PIF is cutting international investments, young QBs are struggling more than ever, and Nick Bosa turned heads by wearing a MAGA hat at a press conference.

Front Office Sports breaking news reporter Alex Schiffer joins the show to discuss Cooper Flagg's celebrity and the renaissance of U.S. basketball stars. Plus, as MLB's dream World Series concludes, we hear from Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, on the rise of black MLB stars like Mookie Betts. Also, Lions center Frank Ragnow joins to discuss what it’s like to be at the literal center of one of the best offenses in the league, and living through multiple substantial changes since joining the league.

More than half of the WNBA is officially without a head coach. The Connecticut Sun parted ways with Stephanie White on Monday afternoon, becoming the seventh WNBA franchise with a vacancy. Front Office Sports reporter Colin Salao joins the show to discuss the reasons for the open positions and why the recent TV deal is a big part of this. Plus, former Knicks GM Scott Perry joins the show to discuss the latest behind the scenes in the NBA, including Bronny James going to the G League in November.

The World Series matchup between the Yankees and Dodgers has delivered on the field and off, with game 1 ending in a walkoff grand slam, and an average of 15.2 million people tuning in. Front Office Sports newsletter writer Eric Fisher joins the show to discuss his trip to Los Angeles for the first two games and the unique star power of Shohei Ohtani. Plus, Reggie Jackson discusses the A’s legends softball game he is putting on at the Oakland Coliseum before the stadium is converted into a soccer facility. Jackson notes that he had a higher bid for the team when it was sold to current owner John Fisher. We also hear from United Football League president Russ Brandon on the latest attempt to popularize spring football. In other news, Tua Tagovailoa took the field for the first time since his dramatic concussion, Bronny James will spend time in the G League, and the NBA revealed its NBA Cup courts.

Ahead of the Straight Talk Wireless 400, Front Office Sports newsletter writer David Rumsey speaks with NASCAR driver Kyle Busch on the state of NASCAR and the impact that the media is having on the racing world.

MLB is getting its wish of its two biggest markets facing off in the World Series. The presence of Shohei Ohtani in the Fall Classic could lead to viewership in Japan above that of the US audience. Front Office Sports newsletter writer Eric Fisher explains how big this series could get. Plus, multimedia reporter Derryl Barnes reports from Los Angeles to contrast the Lakers and Clippers’ home openers, including some bizarre and futuristic details from the Intuit Dome. Later, we hear from Bloomberg’s Jason Kelly on the rise of the WNBA and the enviable position of the NBA. Also, Unrivaled unveiled team names and logos, MLS could radically change its schedule, and the New York Giants make their case for the status quo.