Friday, July 17, 2026

Fundamentals: RISE CEO Diahann Billings-Burford

Welcome to the latest episode of Fundamentals with Ian Thomas, a Front Office Sports interview show featuring leading operators and voices of the sports industry.

Today, Diahann Billings-Burford joins the show.

Billings-Burford is the CEO of RISE, a national nonprofit whose mission is to use sports as a means of eliminating racial discrimination and acting as a vehicle for social justice and societal equality.

Today’s episode will begin at 12:15pm ET or shortly thereafter.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Gilbert Arenas Podcast Playmaker
Exclusive

Gilbert Arenas Podcast Lands at Playmaker After Underdog Exit

Arenas recently departed Underdog after three years.
Jul 5, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) slides into score against the St. Louis Cardinals during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field.

Pending Labor Talks, MLB Is Set for Earliest Opening Day in 2027

Labor woes cloud the consideration of next year’s slate.
The New York City skyline and the Empire State Building are seen from the Edge observation deck through a cover of wildfire smoke in New York City, U.S., July 16, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

Will Poor Air Quality Impact the World Cup Final?

The Northeast is experiencing unhealthy air quality due to Canadian wildfires.
Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) bats in the second round of the All Star-Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park.

Home Run Derby Ratings Drop 7% on Netflix

The event’s pivot to streaming results in a slightly lower average audience.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/17/26 – World Cup Final Preview, Bam-Herro Aftermath, LeBron’s Waiting Game

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.

Fundamentals: Women in Sports

Welcome to the latest episode of Fundamentals, a Front Office Sports interview…
September 22, 2020

Fundamentals: USTA CEO Michael Dowse

Dowse, the CEO and executive director of the national governing body for tennis, discussed the unique challenges of a fan-less US Open and growing the sport in the U.S.
November 17, 2020

Fundamentals: Women In Esports

On this episode of Fundamentals, three guests join the show to discuss the opportunities for women in the gaming industry, as well as the challenges they face.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
July 24, 2020

Fundamentals: MLL Commissioner Sandy Brown

Sandy Brown — commissioner of Major League Lacrosse — discusses the logistics and realities of the league’s return to play with a single-location tournament format, along with the growth of the sport as a whole.
July 17, 2020

Fundamentals: Evil Geniuses CEO Nicole LaPointe Jameson

Nicole LaPointe Jameson, CEO of professional esports team Evil Geniuses, discusses the state of esports and what is next for the organization.
July 16, 2020

Fundamentals: The Launch of VaynerGaming

VaynerGaming division lead Darren Glover and VaynerSports EVP Mike Neligan join the show to discuss the new division, and the future of commercial opportunities in esports.
July 15, 2020

Fundamentals: Kyle Thousand (Roc Nation Baseball)

Welcome to the latest episode of Fundamentals with Ian Thomas, a Front Office Sports…