Halftime Report: The Stories Set to Define the Rest of 2024

Welcome to the weekend edition of FOS Today, where we take you through exclusive, extended conversations with biggest athletes and executives in the business of sports. This week, FOS reporter Colin Salao sits down with NBA champion Matt Barnes, who has found a second career as the CEO of "All the Smoke Productions", just ahead of the company's five-year anniversary next week. Matt gives his takes on Stephen A's potential 100M contract at ESPN, the growth curve of the WNBA compared to the NBA, the wide openness of sports media, and more.

Four-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Joe Montana and Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat join the show for interviews on how the NFL has changed on and off the field. Sweat discusses what it was like to have HBO cameras following him around throughout training camp for the “Hard Knocks” series, and Montana weighs in on the ascendance of his two former teams, the 49ers and Chiefs. Plus, CBS Sports and Yahoo Sports analyst Adam Breneman discusses the structural changes in college football and why it should move toward a nationally organized system, such as the recently proposed super conference idea. Also, the Miami Dolphins are selling shares at a huge valuation, MLB helmet ads turn heads, and the NHL season begins in Prague.

Domantas Sabonis is one of five NBA stars featured in the new Netflix docuseries, “Starting 5.” He joins the show to discuss how the NBA is changing and what it was like to have a camera following him at all times. We also hear from NFL insider Jordan Schultz on constantly chasing scoops and how the lifestyle can lead to burnout. He also opines on whether Adam Schefter could hold his own job and also replace Adrian Wojnarowski at ESPN, the difficult relationship between the Raiders and Davante Adams, and how Hassan Reddick ended up in his increasingly expensive holdout. Plus, MLB broadcasts could look very different after Diamond Sports dropped all but one team, Michael Jordan is suing NASCAR, and NIL is coming to North Carolina high schools.

A new name has emerged in the search for Adrian Wojnarowski’s replacement as ESPN’s top NBA insider: Adam Schefter. Front Office Sports Tuned-In columnist Michael McCarthy is reporting that there is mutual interest for the top NFL reporter to become the network’s ultimate insider. He joins the show to explain what he’s been hearing from within ESPN. Conference realignment continues with Gonzaga joining the Pac-12 and UTEP joining the Mountain West. FOS reporter Amanda Christovich breaks down the latest. Plus, founder and CEO of Priority Sports Mark Bartelstein joins to discuss how the NBA's new CBA and media deal are reshaping the league.

The MLB playoffs arrive after a regular-season finish that essentially produced an extra playoff day and plenty of finger-pointing around Monday’s Mets-Braves doubleheader. The league, meanwhile, could see a dream World Series matchup between the Yankees and Dodgers, which would feature its biggest markets and most marketable stars. We also hear from MLB legend Tommy John about his 26-year career, the state of MLB pitching, and his bid for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Plus, DirecTV bought its long-time competitors Dish Network and Sling TV for just $1. CNBC's Alex Sherman explains why.

The Karl Anthony-Towns trade to the Knicks signaled both the change in how many teams operate under the new CBA and a shift in NBA-news breaking after the retirement of Adrian Wojnarowski. There’s also a surprising rumor about who could replace Woj at ESPN. Meanwhile, Pat McAfee made his latest surprising move by inking a deal with the NFL Network. Plus, we speak with EA Sports president Cam Weber on the biggest NIL deal in college sports history and the company’s transition away from working with FIFA.

The A's played their final game in Oakland yesterday, with fans pouring out to the Coliseum for one last time. Owen was on the scene, speaking to fans for some first-hand opinions on the move. He also spoke with A's broadcaster Brodie Brazil about the team's departure, and what it means for the city of Oakland. Plus, we hear from the Detroit Tigers as Ilitch Sports + Entertainment CEO Ryan Gustafson joins the show to discuss the team's late-season push for the playoffs, running the business of a prospering MLB team, and the fiery Detroit sports culture. Also, David Samson joins for an MLB whip-around as the regular season comes to an end, discussing the White Sox's historically bad season, the Pirates choice to cut Rowdy Tellez, and why the Padres are facing big financial troubles despite high attendance.

Gordon Hayward retired from the NBA after last season. He joins the show to discuss playing for the Charlotte Hornets while Michael Jordan sold the team, watching another former team, the Celtics, win an NBA championship, and his plans for his post-playing career. Plus, UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka stepped away from the team, citing unfulfilled “commitments.” He leaves as many questions as answers and a program that started strong in a suddenly tenuous position. Also, Kansas City Current president Raven Jemison joins the show to discuss what it’s meant for her team to play in the first soccer stadium built for a women’s team, and the intense pressure to succeed and grow in the NWSL.

Brett Favre told congress on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, adding another potential wrinkle into his ongoing legal battle over Mississippi welfare fraud and abuse. AJ Perez of FOS has been locked into the case, and joins to explain where things go from here. Plus, Amanda Christovich joins to discuss a crazy week conference realignment as the Pac-12 fights for relevance, and we speak with Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis on the pressure of a three-peat, the hip-drop tackle, and NFL contract holdouts.

Ending a saga that spanned many months and featured numerous bidders, Everton FC is officially being sold to the The Friedkin Group. GiveMeSport Senior Football Correspondent Ben Jacobs joins the show with the details of the sale, and what the deal means for a club in massive debt. Plus, we hear from Evolution of the Black QB Director Anthony Smith on Colin Kaepernick, Michael Vick, and the other important voices in the new Amazon docuseries. Also, Golf Channel Reporter Kira Dixon offers her take on the state of golf, as the Presidents Cup is set to get underway.