CFP expansion risks
October 19, 2026
CFP Expansion Could Raise Stakes for Coaches, Buyout Costs
As the College Football Playoff expansion gains momentum with a proposed $345 million distribution increase from ESPN, analysts and former coaches like Nick Saban warn that adding more playoff spots could paradoxically heighten job pressure. While the expanded format is designed to give more programs hope and access, it risks raising fan expectations so high that coaches who miss the postseason face an even greater risk of being fired. Consequently, this dynamic threatens to keep coaching buyouts—which have approached $1 billion since 2014 and reached an estimated $185 million in 2026—at staggering levels across college football.
Front Office Sports
WNBA Finals Ticket Prices Soar Above Last Year’s Levels
Ticket prices for the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream have surged significantly compared to last year's series, with Game 1's get-in price exceeding two hundred dollars. Both teams faced scheduling conflicts that required venue adjustments, including moving Atlanta's games to State Farm Arena and rescheduling competing concerts and NBA games. Despite initial price drops following the public release of presale tickets, analysts suggest this matchup could ultimately become the most expensive Finals in league history.
Front Office Sports
Marvin Harrison Jr. Signs With Athletes First For Representation
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has signed with the sports agency Athletes First for on-field contract representation. This agreement ends his period of self-representation, bringing in veteran agents Todd France and Tory Dandy to manage negotiations. The new representation immediately preceded his blockbuster trade from the Arizona Cardinals to the Houston Texans.
Booking Agent Info
Cowboys boost “TNF” to its top Week 5 audience on record
The recent NFL Thursday Night Football matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys averaged 16.73 million viewers on Prime Video, setting a new record for the highest Week 5 audience in the history of the series. This strong performance contributed to Prime Video averaging 17.52 million viewers for the season so far, marking an 11 percent increase compared to the same point last year. Despite this milestone, the game did not generate a season-high audience for the Cowboys, trailing behind earlier matchups featuring the Lions and Bills as well as the Falcons and Packers.
Sports Media Watch
Banana Ball goes international, Notre Dame Stadium set for 360 concept
The Savannah Bananas' 2027 World Tour will expand internationally for the first time with games in Canada and Mexico, alongside a series of stops at major league and collegiate stadiums. A major highlight of the schedule is a unique event at Notre Dame Stadium featuring a "Banana Ball 360" concept, where the field alternates between two corners every inning to keep fans closer to the action. These new international games and innovative venue setups aim to accommodate high ticket demand and bring the fast-paced entertainment experience to a wider audience.
The Stadium Business
Royals reveal plans for new downtown Kansas City ballpark
The Kansas City Royals revealed designs for a new $1.2 billion downtown ballpark featuring four seating decks, approximately 37,000 total seats, and nods to Kauffman Stadium including expanded fountains and CrownVision. The project, which expands to $1.9 billion when including team headquarters and infrastructure, is funded in part by $600 million from Kansas City, Missouri, and over $500 million sought from the state. Team leaders are targeting a June 2027 groundbreaking with the goal of opening the mixed-use development and stadium in time for the 2030 Major League Baseball season.
KSHB
NASCAR industry exec Jason Golden leaving RCR for revenue role at Atlantic 10 Conference
Jason Golden is leaving his role as the chief revenue officer at Richard Childress Racing after a 12-year tenure to join the Atlantic 10 Conference in a similar capacity. In his new position, he will hold the dual titles of chief revenue officer and chief marketing officer while remaining based near Charlotte. This transition highlights a broader trend of professional auto racing executives bringing commercial innovation strategies into collegiate athletics.
Sports Business Journal
San Jose Earthquakes. Manager, Partnerships AI Operations.
The San Jose Earthquakes are seeking a proactive and resourceful individual to join our team as Manager, Partnerships AI Operations. As Manager, Partnerships AI Operations, you will improve how the department uses technology to support prospecting, sales preparation, internal communication, and partnership operations. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys figuring out how things work, solving problems, and turning manual tasks into efficient, repeatable processes. Coding experience is not required. Success in this role means shorter go-to-market timelines, fewer manual labor hours, cleaner data, and better internal communication across Partnership Sales, Partnership Marketing, and Partnership Strategy. This position reports to the Vice President, Sponsorship Sales. Apply Now.
Baltimore Orioles. Senior IT Security Analyst.
We are seeking a Sr. IT Security Analyst responsible for protecting and strengthening the organization’s IT infrastructure while serving as a key liaison between IT Security and the business. This role focuses on risk identification and mitigation through business impact assessments, security awareness initiatives, and the implementation of technical and procedural controls, with an emphasis on business continuity and disaster recovery for the Baltimore Orioles organization. Responsibilities include monitoring, investigating, and responding to security threats across the organization. The candidate will also manage IT technology equipment and support for our Florida sites (Ed Smith Stadium and Twin lakes). The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with a variety of industry standard tools with a strong understanding of IT infrastructure, excellent analytical and communication skills, and a service-oriented mindset. The candidate will also assist with escalated issue resolution by providing in-person hands-on support to end users as needed. Apply Now.
Nashville Predators. Coordinator, Premium Seats Service.
The Coordinator of Premium Seats Service provides dedicated customer service and support to VIP guests, suite holders, and club members at Bridgestone Arena. Responsibilities include managing ticket inventory and fulfillment, coordinating email communications and event updates, and serving as the primary point of contact for client requests. The role also involves managing on-site event night operations across all premium areas and collaborating with internal departments and vendors to ensure a high-level client experience. Apply Now.
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NCAA sues Ohio governor over fifth-year eligibility order
The NCAA has filed a federal lawsuit against Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to challenge an executive order permitting 2022 high school graduates to receive a fifth year of college athletic eligibility. The association argues that allowing these players to compete disrupts uniform national standards and gives Ohio schools an unfair advantage. Meanwhile, the legal battle has left affected athletes in eligibility limbo as both federal and state courts weigh competing rulings.
SAN
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