The Leadoff

Today on the debut episode of Front Office Sports Today, #NFLonCBS host Nate Burleson joins the show to discuss massive changes sweeping the #NFL and why broadcasting is harder than playing. Plus, #Shaq is becoming Sacramento State's GM, @WrexhamFC is surging under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McEllheny's ownership, and Shedeur Sanders is already one of the NFL's most marketable rookies despite his draft slide. 

The NFL is gearing up for a big holiday weekend with its annual slate of Thanksgiving games, and its second rendition of a Black Friday game with Amazon. Front Office Sports writers Alex Schiffer, Margaret Fleming, and Amanda Christovich join the show for a roundtable discussion about the NFL's legacy Thanksgiving games, plus a little Thanksgiving trivia. Also, Front Office Sports Today is going on hiatus during the Holiday season. Owen and the Front Office Sports Today team gather for a roundtable discussion about their favorite guests and memories from the show, what to look forward to in business and sports, and what the team is thankful for heading into the Holiday season.

We dive into the FOS-exclusive story behind Michigan's recruitment of No. 1 prospect Bryce Underwood, largely facilitated by billionaire Larry Ellison's involvement in the Wolverines' NIL offseason. Plus, the Washington Commanders could benefit greatly from a proposed bill that would grant a new lease to their former home of RFK Stadium in D.C.. Front Office Sports reporter AJ Perez joins to discuss the outlook for the Commanders' next playing site and where the funding for a D.C.-based stadium would come from. Also, Saquon Barkley could boost the NFL running back market, and we explore the legendary impact of John Madden, and the NBA wants Caitlin Clark involved in All Star Weekend.

Santa Clara University is a women's soccer powerhouse, but faces challenges to survive in a world dominated by college football. Front Office Sports reporter Alex Schiffer joins the show to discuss how Santa Clara is adapting to the NIL era, and getting by without its own football program. Also, Chris Myers, a longtime analyst with FOX Sports, has covered Super Bowls, Final Fours, World Series, and more. Myers joins the show to share some of the stories from his expansive career, and how the media world has evolved in his time. Plus, Jason Kelce is getting a late-night show, the Giants cut Daniel Jones, and Aaron Rodgers could be done with the Jets.

Colorado and Oregon are both expected to make waves in each of their respective conference championships, despite 2024 being each of their inaugural seasons with the Big 10 and Big 12. Front Office Sports newsletter writer David Rumsey joins the show to discuss how conference expansion has allowed newcomers to shine, and some usual powerhouses to underperform. Plus, Front Office Sports reporter Amanda Christovich takes a look at how the upcoming Trump Administration could impact college athletics and Title IX.

The New York Jets are trending in the wrong direction, and Aaron Rodgers's future with the team is up in the air because of it. Front Office Sports breaking news reporter Alex Schiffer joins to discuss where the Jets problems truly originate, and why the solution might not be as simple as parting ways with Rodgers. Plus, we hear from SailGP CRO Ben Johnson on recent developments in pro sailing, Caitlin Clark has turned down Unrivaled, and Joel Embiid is livid over leaks from the 76ers team meeting.

Juan Soto has been taking meetings with a slew of suitors, but only a few can truly afford him—for now. Front Office Sports newsletter writer Eric Fisher joins the show to assess which owners are capable and willing to break the bank for Soto, and how MLB is counting on its new CBA to balance things out. Plus, Cleveland has emerged as the latest suitor for a WNBA team, joining ... just about everyone else. FOS reporter Colin Salao explains the craze to secure the final WNBA expansion spot. Also, the NFL saw its biggest TV audience of the season, the Bruins fired their coach, and the LPGA will have a major increase in prize money next year.

The Knicks are on the verge of another NBA investigation, this time over the details of Rick Brunson's promotion to a top assistant role in the same offseason his son, Jalen, took a huge pay cut. Front Office Sports reporter Alex Schiffer joins the show to explain why the Knicks view a potential investigation as "harassment" by the league and how this situation could play out. We also hear from former Knicks GM Scott Perry, who weighs in on drama in the Eastern Conference and the rise of mid-market teams under the new CBA. Also, the Jets fired their GM, Jake Paul and Mike Tyson set records at the gate, and the NFL gets boxed in by the Simpsons.

NBA ratings have been low this season, but there is a moment of respite coming: The 15–0 Cavaliers take on the reigning champion Celtics in arguably the biggest 2024 Emirates NBA Cup game to date. It will be a litmus test for the tournament's gravitas in terms of TV viewership, says writer Front Office Sports reporter Colin Salao, who joins the show to discuss. Plus, the Lions are Super Bowl favorites for the first time. We hear from cornerback Kerby Joseph on the team's season so far and how it is navigating the NFC North, the toughest division in football.

The NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery have settled their lawsuit, and 'Inside the NBA' is now heading to ESPN. Tuned In columnist Mike McCarthy has learned that TNT will maintain "complete editorial control" as Disney licenses the award-winning program. Mike joins the show to reveal how this settlement came together and why it is likely to be a win-win scenario. Plus, we hear from Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski about the influence of the NBA's business side on players' day-to-day, and how his hall-of-fame teammates are inspiring him on and off the court. Also, Netflix struggles in front of a 65M audience, Kirby Smart rips the College Football Playoff committee, and the Rays stadium deal may be dead.

Entering a pivotal Week 12, the Big Ten and SEC occupy eight of the twelve spots in the College Football Playoff rankings. Front Office Sports newsletter writer David Rumsey joins the show discuss why these conferences hold the keys to a successful 12-team CFP, especially as it relates to TV audiences. Plus, we hear from CFB analyst Adam Breneman on the evolutions of the transfer portal, revenue sharing model, and coaching expectations.

The NBA and TNT could be approaching a legal settlement, according to Front Office Sports senior reporters A.J. Perez and Michael McCarthy. Perez joins the show with the latest in this rights saga and an expected timeline for its resolution. Plus, we speak with Bills pass rusher Greg Rousseau ahead of the anticipated matchup against the unbeaten Chiefs this Sunday. Also, Diamond Sports Group emerges from bankruptcy, the Rays have a new home, and there's a billion-dollar lifeline for Houston's iconic Astrodome.

Drew Brees hadn't called an NFL game since 2022, until Monday night when he joined as a guest analyst. Is his second stint in the booth imminent? “Tuned In” columnist Michael McCarthy spoke to sources about Brees's potential return and joins the show to discuss what he knows. Plus, we hear from ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks about the second iteration of the NBA in-season tournament, the new media-rights landscape, and how the new CBA is helping small market teams like the Cavaliers thrive. Also, the PLL launches the Women's Lacrosse League and Unrivaled announces a new arena in Miami.

Jerry Jones says Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is unlikely to get fired during the season, despite the team's 3–6 record so far. But according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the problems with Dallas start with its notorious owner. Schultz joins the show with the latest with the Cowboys, the Chiefs, and more. Plus, we speak with Annika Sörenstam ahead of the celebrity pro-am LPGA event in her namesake, The Annika driven by Gainbridge.

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 the unique family he comes from. 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.

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.

The Unrivaled league is preparing a “Messi-Like” offer for Caitlin Clark before its inaugural season in January, according to Front Office Sports “Tuned-In” columnist Mike McCarthy. He joins the show to explain how Clark could get more than a salary from the league. Plus, the Timberwolves begin the NBA season as title contenders despite being in the midst of an ownership dispute. Newsletter writer Eric Fisher explains the state of that team.Cincinnati Bengals' Sam Hubbard joins to discuss this NFL season, playing in the Super Bowl, and being on the field for Deshaun Watson's season-ending injury. Also, NIL payments for college basketball players are reaching new heights, ESPN had a massive Monday Night Football fail, and a 45-year-old soccer legend plays his first professional tennis match.

The MLS playoffs begin, with Lionel Messi set to play his first-ever U.S. postseason game Friday. We hear from Apple TV lead MLS analyst Taylor Twellman about how MLS is taking advantage of this moment. Plus, the Los Angeles Clippers make their debut at the Intuit Dome tonight. Front Office Sports reporter Colin Salao is on the scene and tells us what he's expecting for the opening game. Also, the rise of fake news account "NBACentel" continues to dupe fans and media members, the World Series is expected to break records, and the NFL exercises its first prime-time flex of the year.

The NBA is back! Longtime NBA executive and former Knicks GM Scott Perry joins the show to get us primed for what is going to be a pivotal NBA season, featuring his former Knicks squad squaring off against the defending champion Celtics on Tuesday night. Plus, the WNBA set records in arguably its best Finals series in history, both in terms of ratings and attendance. Front Office Sports reporter Margaret Fleming was at Game 5 and reflects on the W's biggest season. Plus, Tom Brady's dual role as a Fox broadcaster and team owner is receiving scrutiny, Disney looks for a Bob Iger successor, and footballers are criticizing FIFA's partnership with a Saudi Arabian oil company.

Mark Messier and Danny DeVito, executive producers on Prime Video's “Game 7,” join the show to discuss the biggest moments in sports and the art of retelling those stories. Also, three-time gold medalist Gabby Thomas discusses the reverberations in the track world following the Olympics and how new leagues such as Athlos and Duael can help keep the momentum going. Plus, bidders for the Celtics are emerging (including Jeff Bezos's half-brother), a carriage dispute in Chicago is denying Blackhawks and Bulls fans access to games, and the NBA patched over its weakest point when it comes to preventing betting-related corruption.

Ahead of October 19th's "Battle of the Giants", Professional Fighters League founder Donn Davis joins FOS editor-in-chief Dan Roberts to discuss the business model of the league, recruiting premiere talent like Francis Ngannou, and the league's relationship with Saudia Arabia's PIF fund.

Chiney Ogwumike inked a new contract with ESPN, as did Kendrick Perkins, Monica McNutt, and Tim Legler. The deal makes her the first female broadcaster to work full-time across “NBA Countdown” and “WNBA Countdown.” She joins the show to discuss her work at ESPN, the WNBA finals, and the growth of the league. Plus, Indianopolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor discusses life on an up-and-coming NFL team, reporter Colin Salao breaks down the coming CBA negotiations likely on the horizon for the WNBA, James Dolan strikes a deal with Abu Dhabi, and an NWSL team flubs its rollout.

Tropicana Field, home of the Rays, likely won't be ready for Opening Day of 2025, and the team faces tough questions about where they will play and how much they are willing to invest in repairing a stadium they ultimately plan to leave. Plus, WNBA players are expected to opt out of their collective bargaining agreement by the Nov. 1 deadline, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones attempted to explain the threats he made to media members, and we hear from former NFL players Jamaal Charles and Anthony “Spice” Adams on the league and which positions have the best quality of life.

The Raiders made two sets of headlines Tuesday, starting the day off by trading Davante Adams to the Jets, and ending it with Tom Brady's official approval to become a minority team owner. Front Office Sports newsletter writer Eric Fisher was on-site at the NFL owners' meetings and takes us behind the scenes of Brady's approval. We also hear from The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt on the Jets' side of the Adams trade, plus the latest on Haason Reddick and the team's midseason coaching change. Also, Atlanta Dream co-owner Renee Montgomery joins the show to discuss her surprise retirement, the WNBA's rapid growth, and what she learned by going from the court to the front office.

Haason Reddick was let go by agency CAA Sports amid his holdout with the New York Jets. Now, Reddick has a new representative negotiating his status with the team—NFL agent Drew Rosenhaus. Front Office Sports reporter Alex Schiffer joins the show to discuss why CAA Sports moved on from Reddick and whether Rosenhaus can find a light at the end of this tunnel. Plus, the NHL's season is firmly underway with its newest team, the Utah Hockey Club, off to a red-hot start. ESPN hockey reporter Emily Kaplan breaks down the hype around Utah HC and what to expect from the league as the season progresses. Finally, the Texans are off to a blazing 5–1 start this season. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. explains why he thinks Houston is off to such a strong start, what it was like transitioning from Alabama to the NFL, and his thoughts on the NFL's new rule changes.

Hockey is back, and for the Professional Women's Hockey League, that means a very important second season. Minnesota Frost captain Kendall Coyne Schofield joins the show to explain why the success of the PWHL is essential for the future of hockey and other women's sports. Plus, we check in on developing sports media offerings for Latino consumers, and why increasing representation and reach to that demographic will underline the future of broadcasting. Also, the Haason Reddick situation gets worse, Tom Brady gets ready to be an NFL team owner, and the Super Bowl could go international.

Just one day after she was announced as the first Valkyries head coach, Natalie Nakase sits down with reporter Colin Salao to discuss her move to the expansion franchise, the relationships that have helped her get here, and the overall trajectory of the WNBA behind promising rookies like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink.

Saturday is set to be the biggest day of the college football regular season, and ticket prices for marquee matchups are skyrocketing. Plus, Hurricane Milton tore off part of the Tampa Bay Rays stadium, raising questions about the venue's viability for the 2025 season. The incident also raises question about their plans for a new stadium in the same area. Also, the Minnesota Twins are for sale, the Mets are seeing dividends from their big spending, and TBS is facing heavy criticism for its Yankees-Royals broadcasts.

The Patriots have reached a low point in the post–Tom Brady era, with team captain Jabrill Peppers in serious legal trouble and a quarterback change five weeks into the season. George Balekji of NESN joins the show to discuss the six-time Super Bowl champions' fall from grace and how this latest version of the team is being perceived in Boston. Plus, the WNBA Finals begin Thursday, and the two teams squaring off have been built for long-term success but in very different ways. Front Office Sports reporter Colin Salao sets the stage for Game 1. Also, Wimbledon has dropped its line judges, Aaron Rodgers speaks out, and the NFL reveals new statistics on the number of player arrests.

Tuesday began with a bombshell as the 2-3 Jets announced they were firing head coach Robert Saleh, who was “blindsided” by the announcement. Former NFL executive Andrew Brandt joins the show to discuss what this means for the Jets, Aaron Rodgers, and Davante Adams. Plus, Allyson Felix joins the show to discuss some major developments in the world of track and women's sports at large. Felix is adding a new chapter to her legacy with the launch of the first ever sports management firm completely focused on female athletes. Also, the MLB postseason continues to turn heads, the USMNT coach is already looking at coaching in Argentina, and Kyler Murray leans into criticisms over his video game hobby.

Shams Charania is headed to ESPN to replace Adrian Wojnarowski, who retired just weeks before the start of the NBA season. Front Office Sports senior writer Michael McCarthy has been following this one since the beginning, and he had the scoop that the deal was “on the 5-yard line.” McCarthy joins the show to discuss how this deal came together.  Plus, the NFL continues to push games outside of its typical viewing hours, and international play is a big reason why. FOS newsletter writer David Rumsey offers his assessment of the league's increasing TV time. We also hear from Pete Jensen of NHL.com as the puck gets ready to drop for a new season, the ugly side of baseball fandom rears its head, and there is a huge development in the House vs. NCAA legal case.

A ruling by the Court of Justice of the EU declared FIFA bylaws related to player transfers illegal in the European Union. The decision could reshape global soccer. Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport joins the show to explain the potentially massive implications. Plus, Ironman Group CEO Scott DeRue joins to discuss how the company is working to grow one of the most intense competitions in existence as a participation and spectator sport. Meanwhile, college football upsets ruled the weekend, Davante Adams creatively stoked trade intrigue, and Formula 1 and the Savannah Bananas are anticipating big ticket sales.

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 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 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. College realignment continues with Gonzaga reportedly joining the Pac-12 and UTEP joining the Mountain West. FOS reporter Amanda Christovich breaks down the latest. Plus, NBA agent Mark Bartelstein joins to discuss how the league'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.