Front Office Sports

Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith never learned how to swim growing up in rural Georgia. This week, the Ravens recruited Michael Phelps to teach their players how to swim, and Smith finally learned. "Honestly, it was my first time. It was really cool. It was really solid, some of the lessons they gave me. I feel a little more confident." (🎥 via Ryan Mink/Baltimore Ravens)

BIG NEWS! ESPN's Stephen A. Smith will debate Outkick's Clay Travis LIVE at Front Office Sports Events "TUNED IN" September 16 in NYC and moderated by yours truly. I'm so beyond excited for this!! Register and get your tickets now before prices increase ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eTKVKJ4y Plus see other big speakers like NBA commissioner Adam Silver, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, ESPN Chairman James Pitaro, Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks , TNT Sports Chairman & CEO Luis Silberwasser AND SO MANY MORE! Adam White Daniel Roberts Taylor Johnson Nate Loucks Jonny Sonkin #linkedinsports #linkedinnews #sportsbiz

“I suspended Leo Messi from the first match he’s ever been suspended in his entire career.” At our Huddle in the Hamptons event, MLS Commissioner Don Garber sat with UBS Head of Sports + Entertainment Wale Ogunleye and explained why he made that call after Messi missed the MLS All-Star Game— and what it takes to make tough decisions when leading a major sports league. Presented by UBS

From marathon runners to Tour de France cyclists, endurance athletes are realizing the most optimal carb and energy solutions aren't from gels or drinks—they're from the iconic kids snack Rice Krispies Treats. The day before she lines up to race a marathon, professional runner Molly Huddle has another goal: Consume an entire box of 16 Rice Krispies Treats. Like many endurance athletes, she carb-loads the day before a long race to top off her muscles’ stores of glycogen, which her body breaks down into glucose that fuels her strides. She needs 300 to 500 grams of carbohydrates. Companies like Maurten, Gu, and Science in Sport produce packets of highly portable, easily digestible carbs, along with related products like sports drinks and chews. Many have sponsorship deals and marketing campaigns with cycling teams and high-profile athletes—think two-time Olympic marathon champion and sub-2-hour marathoner Eliud Kipchoge for Maurten—and are typically priced from $2 to $5.50 per serving. But as childlike and basic as they seem, Rice Krispies Treats are actually a sort of brilliant fuel source for endurance athletes. They are also much cheaper than gels—a 16-bar pack goes for $4.89 at Target, or $0.30 each. (Maurten’s products are about 15 times more expensive.) And you can make them at home for even less. The souped-up version on sports dietitian Meghann Featherstun’s website, which bumps up the carb content with Funfetti cake mix, is among her most popular recipes. “I wanted something that I liked eating, so it wasn’t a chore, and something that wasn’t going to set off my gut the next day,” Huddle tells FOS. “Any rice-based food, I noticed, always sat really well with me. Put a little sugar on the rice, and there you go.” Huddle, a two-time Olympian and a former American record holder at distances from the 5,000 meters to the half marathon, isn’t alone in her snack choice. Other fans include Hobbs Kessler, a middle-distance runner who went to the Paris Olympics in both the 800 meters and 1,500 meters and who keeps them in his car for a post-workout treat. And racers in last month’s Tour de France could be seen sliding foil-wrapped packets of chef-made crispy rice cakes out of their pockets or even securing the sticky bars directly to their handlebars with hair ties. Is Kellanova—which sells Rice Krispies Treats, among other cereals and snacks—seeing a piece of the $50 billion sports nutrition market as a result? A company presentation from last year notes buyers are spending 33% more on the snack bars than they did in 2018; however, it’s unclear whether that cash is coming from endurance athletes rather than parents, and company officials didn’t respond to a request for comment. Even as gel companies introduce innovations like higher-carb blends and slow-release hydrogels, there’s still a place for foods any kid would love. Full story in the replies.

Stephen A. Smith and Clay Travis will debate sports, politics, and the business of both at Tuned In on Sept. 16. They join a stacked lineup featuring Adam Silver, Rob Manfred, Maria Taylor, Kim Ng & more. Tap the link in our replies to register to attend.

The Savannah Bananas sold out Coors Field with over 50,000 fans in attendance—their biggest MLB stadium crowd to date. (🎥 via TickPick)

Last week, Brewers manager Pat Murphy pulled a pancake out of his pocket during an interview. He says he always keeps snacks in his pockets—“whatever fits.” Now, the Brewers are selling 4-packs of “pocket pancakes” at every Sunday home game for $4.99 🥞 (🎥 via Milwaukee Brewers)

Front Office Sports brought Second Acts to life with an activation at RBC House, highlighting the growing transition from athletes’ playing careers to their business ventures. Athletes are leveraging their influence to build lasting brands that extend well beyond the field, prioritizing long-term impact and career longevity. Presented by RBC Wealth Management

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is joining the lineup at Tuned In on Sept. 16. Under his leadership, the league has embraced streaming, evolved its media rights strategy, and adapted the game to engage new generations of fans. Ahead of October baseball and a pivotal media rights cycle, Manfred’s insights will help set the tone for what’s next in sports business. Join us at The Times Center. Link to buy tickets in the comments ⬇️

Ryan Fitzgerald is 31 years old and has nearly 3,000 plate appearances as a minor leaguer. Finally, the Twins gave him his MLB debut this season—and hit his first big league home run in his fourth game. 🎥 via Major League Baseball (MLB)