First College Football Playoff Rankings Mark New Era

The second edition of the NBA’s in-season tournament begins Tuesday, now branded as the NBA Emirates Cup. We sit down with longtime league executive Scott Perry to discuss the process of the tournament coming together and how the NBA can continue building on last year's major success. Plus, we discuss how SMU's move to the ACC has been wildly profitable, Jerry Jones’s comments about Mike McCarthy, and we hear the story of a boxing promoter turned baseball executive.

Roger Goodell announced there will be eight international NFL games next year, the most ever for a single season. We assess the game's rapid globalization with former Giants receiver Victor Cruz. Plus, FC Dallas forward Bernard Kamungo joins the show to discuss his journey from a refusee of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the American soccer pitch as well as the rapid rise of MLS. Also, Vanderbilt's QB is suing the NCAA, Bronny sells out his G League debut, and Diamond Sports loses another MLB team.

The first ever 12-team College Football Playoff rankings were released earlier this week, but they are noticeably different than the AP Top 25. Front Office Sports newsletter writer David Rumsey explains the different factors behind each list and which is more important more than halfway through the season. Plus, FOS college sports reporter Amanda Christovich joins with insight on the election’s impact on the NCAA landscape.

Ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship this Sunday, Joey Logano, one of four drivers competing for this season’s title, joins the show to discuss his preparation for the race, recent fines issued by NASCAR, and the sport's evolution. Plus, we hear from Front Office Sports reporter Colin Salao about why the NBA's ratings continue to decline and how much they actually matter. Also, Florida addresses Billy Napier's future, the Browns give a Deshaun Watson update, and Raygun retires.

The election will have a slew of implications on the sports world, which could even include owners joining Donald Trump's cabinet. Front Office Sports breaking news reporter Margaret Fleming joins to discuss the connections between billionaire sports owners and the GOP. Also, Justin Pugh, who played in 11 NFL seasons, joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on what locker rooms are like before the trade deadline, negotiating contracts with teams, and how different front offices treat players.

Saints center Connor McGovern may actually be losing money by playing in the NFL instead of pursuing a career in the family business. The McGoverns own R.D. Offutt, the largest potato producer in the U.S. Front Office Sports reporter Alex Schiffer joins the show to peel back his reporting on McGovern and his family. Plus, longtime NBA executive Scott Perry discusses the Philadelphia 76ers, who are off to a rocky start and are now handling the fallout from Joel Embiid pushing a reporter. We also look at the NFL trade deadline, the beef between Kevin Durant and Stephen A. Smith, and how college football is providing a lifeline to the movie theater industry.

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.