The week of this episode’s release is the same week that ESPN is launching its long-awaited streaming app, which is a direct-to-consumer product that does not require a cable subscription. Still, how many customers will pay for ESPN without bundling it with other streaming service options? On August 5th, 2025, ESPN acquired the NFL Network and other NFL media assets, including the linear rights to the league's popular RedZone channel, in a deal that will see the NFL get a 10% equity stake in the all-sports network.

Those titanic stories are the backdrop for Michael McCarthy’s return to the show. McCarthy is an award-winning Senior Writer for Front Office Sports.

McCarthy has won both Best News Story and Best Project reporting from the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE). His stories have appeared in The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, USA TODAY, Sporting News, Newsday, and Adweek. He’s also written for the official publications of the NFL and Major League Baseball. McCarthy has appeared on everything from CBS This Morning, NBC’s Today show, Fox & Friends, and Access Hollywood to CNBC, CNN, NPR, and the BBC. McCarthy has also served as a journalism professor at Rutgers University since 2015. He’s based in New Jersey.

In this episode, McCarthy discusses the ESPN NFL deal, the streaming app, and the network’s dropping of Major League Baseball. He also covers the NBA, NHL, and NCAA in this episode.

Front Office Sports is having its 2nd annual “Tuned In” seminar in Midtown Manhattan. On September 16th, 2025, leaders within the sports media space—ranging from athletes and on-air talent to media moguls and league executives who are instrumental in shaping the future of how fans view sports. Registration includes a full day of programming with leading names in sports media.

For more information: https://events.frontofficesports.com/tunedin2025.

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Hall of Fame baseball writer Bill Madden has covered the Yankees and Major League Baseball for over 50 years, including more than four decades with the New York Daily News. He is a bestselling author and the 2010 recipient of the Baseball Hall of Fame’s BBWAA Career Excellence Award. His new memoir is entitled Yankees, Typewriters, Scandals, and Cooperstown: A Baseball Memoir. Tracing through the timeline of Madden’s exceptional career, this book tells amazing stories of some wild times in the history of the New York Yankees and their bombastic owner, George Steinbrenner.

In this episode, Madden discusses the origin of the book idea. He tells incredible stories about covering the Yankees, specifically in the early 1980s at the height of the Steinbrenner circus. He comments on what newspapers were like in the past compared to online journalism today. He talked about the inner workings of the Yankees and the differences in player relationships today vs. when he traveled on team charters with the team.

Check out Yankees, Typewriters, Scandals, and Cooperstown: A Baseball Memoir by Bill Madden here: https://bit.ly/4lntjsY

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Longtime ESPN New York host Don La Greca is making his second appearance on the podcast. His first, Episode 336, came when he had two totally different jobs. In July 2025, La Greca was named the new television voice of the New Jersey Devils on MSG Network. He is also currently the host of afternoon drive on ESPN New York with Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg. In his first appearance, Don was a co-host on the Michael Kay Show on the YES Network and ESPN New York, and a backup radio play-by-play announcer for the New York Rangers.

La Greca has been a mainstay in New York sports for nearly two decades. He has always publicly revealed that he is a longtime fan of the Devils and that this is a dream job for him.

In this episode, La Greca tells the story of how this new Devils job came to be. He explains his lifelong fandom of the franchise and discusses the reactions he received from many broadcasting and sports dignitaries since the announcement was made. He also commented on the Devils' chances in 2025-2026, and what it means for him to have this opportunity.

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On July 31, 2025, for one night only in theaters, there is a new documentary entitled “Nothing But a Winner – The Alabama Football Story.” It chronicles the incredible history of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide Football Team. Alabama has dominated college football in the last century: 18 national championships, 30 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championships, and 447 players drafted into the NFL. Well known for the greatest run in modern memory under legendary Coach Nick Saban, the origin story of this culture of winning was pioneered by Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

Caleb Castille, an acclaimed actor, joined this episode to discuss being a producer for Nothing But a Winner. Castille played defensive back under Saban at Alabama. His father Jeremiah, who played defensive back under Bryant and later served as team chaplain for more than two decades, is a key feature in the film.

In this episode, Castille discusses the seminal moment at the beginning of the film, which describes the integration of Black players during the Civil Rights era into Alabama football. He also talks about Nick Saban’s unique legacy with the Crimson Tide, including his 2024 departure. Castille also discusses the changes in the college sports landscape and how Alabama needs to adapt to maintain its level of excellence.

Nothing But a Winner releases in theatres for a one-night showing on July 31, 2025. Go to http://www.nothingbutawinner.com/ for tickets.

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Longtime New England Patriots fullback James Develin is taking part in a fascinating swim challenge in the Hudson River. On Saturday, August 16, 2025, more than 350 participants will participate in the seventh annual New York City SEAL Swim, a demanding multi-sport challenge that spans 3.5 miles across the Hudson River. Starting at Liberty State Park in New Jersey and ending at the World Trade Center, this signature event honors fallen heroes and supports the mission of The Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). The Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF) provides critical support for the warriors, veterans, and families of Naval Special Warfare (NSW).

The course includes three swim legs with stops at some of America’s most iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. At each stop, participants will complete 100 push-ups and 22 pull-ups before continuing. The event concludes with each swimmer running with an American flag from Battery Park City to the World Trade Center, paying tribute to the lives lost on 9/11, the warriors of EXTORTION 17, and all Americans who serve our country in uniform.

In this episode, Develin explains how, in his post-football career, he is participating in the ultimate physical challenge and compares the training to when he played for the Patriots. He also offers a unique perspective on his former coach Bill Belichick’s new coaching job at North Carolina. He also offers insight on his former quarterback Tom Brady’s new role with FOX Television.

For more information on the New York City SEAL Swim, click here: https://impact.navysealfoundation.org/event/2025-nyc-seal-swim/e650865.

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On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the WNBA will hold its All-Star Game. The sport has seen exponential growth in audience and popularity since the emergence of second-year star Caitlin Clark. Still, when Clark missed time due to injury, ratings fell.

Dr. Tywanna Smith is a former pro basketball player and President of The Athletes’ Nexus. She, along with retired NBA star Sonny Weems, co-founded the Athletes Abroad Summit, a platform that empowers American athletes playing overseas to build sustainable success beyond the game.

They held a summit in Las Vegas during the NBA Summer League and will be in Indianapolis for WNBA All-Star Weekend. The activation brings together pro athletes, coaches, and executives to lead global conversations around business, branding, and legacy in sports.

Dr. Smith was a guest previously on Sports with Friends Episode 102.

In this episode, Smith details the Athletes Abroad Summit and what athletes need to know if they want to pursue playing outside the USA. She also discusses the impact of Clark on the WNBA ratings and discusses whether the league is too reliant on her for its success and whether the increased ratings are sustainable. She also discusses the overall appeal of Clark and the role race plays in it.

For more info: https://www.athletesabroadsummit.com/

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FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the biggest sporting event ever — three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams, and 104 matches will unite an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. The event will culminate with the Final at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) on July 19, 2026, complemented by unprecedented fan experiences throughout the NYNJ region. Co-host City Manager Bruce Revman joined the show to discuss both the ongoing Club World Cup and next year’s international tournament. Revman oversees all aspects of the Host Committee. Prior roles include Managing Director at NYC & Company, where he contributed to marketing and partnership strategies, and Commissioner for the USA TODAY Sports Media Group.

In this episode, Revman discusses how NY/NJ was awarded the Final and what fans can expect. He commented on the sheer enormity of the World Cup and how both New York and New Jersey will embrace it.

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One hundred episodes after his first appearance, former Oakland A’s and St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Mark Mulder returns to the show. He previously appeared in Episode 410. Mulder pitched for the A’s from 2000-2004. He was then traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he pitched through 2008. In the early 2000s, Mark Mulder was part of the “Big 3” with Barry Zito and Tim Hudson. He is a two-time all-star, the AL wins leader in 2001. He finished with a record of 103-60.

After his playing career, Mulder began pursuing golf. He won the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe, a celebrity golf tournament, three times from 2015-2017.

In this episode, Mulder offers poignant commentary on the A’s recent move from Oakland to Sacramento, where they are playing in a AAA stadium. He talked about the A’s breaking ground on a stadium in Las Vegas and gets emotional about saying goodbye to people in Oakland last season as part of their final season there. He also discusses the current state of baseball and other sports and the challenges that face them all.

Follow Mark on social media at @markmulder20.

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