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Afternoon Edition

April 16, 2025

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Nico Iamaleava signed one of the biggest NIL deals ever while still in high school. His departure from Tennessee is a saga that has transformed sentiment around the transfer portal, and FOS can exclusively report new details on the divorce.

— Amanda Christovich [[link removed]], Colin Salao [[link removed]], and Eric Fisher [[link removed]]

Inside Nico Iamaleava’s Ugly Breakup With Tennessee

The Tennessean

Last week, Nico Iamaleava was the starting quarterback of the Tennessee Volunteers—a program he led to the College Football Playoff last season. He was in the midst of a multiyear NIL (name, image, and likeness) deal worth at least $8 million—a historic number when it was first reported in 2021.

But on Wednesday morning, Iamaleava entered the transfer portal after a weeklong saga in which a report suggested he was asking for more NIL money. He skipped the practice before the Vols’ spring game—which onlookers saw as a negotiating tactic. Over the weekend, the Vols parted ways with him.

Iamaleava is represented by his father, Nic Iamaleava, California-based coach Cordell Landers, and at least one lawyer. None are considered certified agents.

In a phone interview with FOS on Monday, a close family friend of Nic who has been heavily involved in his son’s NIL negotiations denied claims that Iamaleava pushed for more NIL money. “The narrative was bullshit,” says the friend, who declined to be identified by name. (Other FOS sources close to the talks dispute these claims.)

Even still, Iamaleava’s camp refuses to relinquish control, blaming Tennessee and the school’s Spyre Sports NIL collective for his situation. “His representation hasn’t steered him wrong,” the family friend says. “At the end of the day, what did we do wrong to steer him and put him in a bad situation? We didn’t.”

A different source with knowledge of those conversations says that Iamaleava’s camp did ask Spyre Sports for a raise at the time—and that the collective made multiple counteroffers. Iamaleava’s camp became increasingly unresponsive and ultimately left the organization confused about whether he would, in fact, enter the transfer portal.

You can read Amanda Christovich’s full story on how Nico Iamaleava and Tennessee parted ways, and what’s next for the QB, here [[link removed]].

SPONSORED BY JUST INGREDIENTS

Bryce Harper’s New Game: Clean Living

Bryce Harper is stepping off the field and into the wellness space with a new partnership [[link removed]] alongside health brand Just Ingredients. Known for his precision and performance, the two-time MLB MVP found alignment in the company’s commitment to real ingredients and NSF Certified for Sport® products.

Founded by Karalynne Call, Just Ingredients has grown from a personal mission into a trusted name in clean nutrition—now backed by athletes and teams across major sports. Harper’s move reflects a broader shift toward longevity, transparency, and intentional living.

Read how this partnership is redefining performance and wellness [[link removed]].

Warriors Play-In Win Opens Door for a Steph-LeBron Ratings Bonanza [[link removed]]

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Despite a slight downtick in this year’s NBA regular-season ratings [[link removed]], the numbers showed the Lakers and Warriors—and their respective stars LeBron James and Steph Curry—remained the league’s best draw.

The most-watched game of the season was the Christmas Day game between the Warriors and Lakers, which drew 7.9 million viewers on ABC. It was also the league’s most-watched regular-season game in five years.

The Jan. 25 meeting was also the second-most-watched non-Christmas Day game of the season (3 million), behind the March 8 game between the Lakers and Celtics, the league’s most storied rivalry. But the Jan. 25 game was missing some starpower—Luka Dončić and Jimmy Butler—All-Star midseason acquisitions of Los Angeles and Golden State, respectively.

Some of the most-watched games exclusively on cable also included the Lakers. Their season opener against the Timberwolves, the NBA debut of Bronny James Jr., was the second-most-watched game on TNT this season. Excluding opening night games, Dončić’s first game against the Mavericks on Feb. 25 was the most-watched TNT game this year (2.5 million), while his return to Dallas on April 9 was the most-watched game on ESPN.

Potential Semis Meeting

Golden State’s loss to the Clippers on Sunday shut the door on a potential first-round series against Los Angeles [[link removed]], but their Play-In Tournament win over the Grizzlies on Tuesday means both teams could meet in the second round.

The Lakers are favorites to beat the Timberwolves (-196), while the Warriors are favored over the Rockets (-188), according to FanDuel [[link removed]], despite not having home-court advantage.

A second-round series would do wonders for the NBA. The two teams battled in 2023, and averaged 7.8 million viewers, the most-watched semis in 27 years. It would also guarantee that either the Lakers or the Warriors would make the conference finals.

James, Curry, and Dončić were also the most-viewed players of the season on social media, respectively. The same three players had the most popular jerseys of the season [[link removed]], though Dončić led the way, followed by Curry, then James.

Sabres’ Struggles Extend Off the Ice As Arena Ownership Battle Brews [[link removed]]

Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

​​Buffalo’s KeyBank Center, home of the National Hockey League’s Sabres and National Lacrosse League’s Bandits, has become a sports facility hot potato that nobody wants.

The 29-year-old venue is currently owned by Erie County and operated by the Sabres, but county officials are saying they do not intend to retain ownership when the current lease expires next year. That could revert the building’s ownership to the city of Buffalo, which holds the property on which the arena sits, but similarly says it does not have the budget to keep up with maintenance and liability costs.

“I don’t think we should. I don’t think that’s in our purview,” said acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon, of taking on full building ownership. “I think we continue to work with our partners, Erie County, the Sabres, to make sure that the arena is there for years to come and a great experience for residents.”

The arena ownership debate highlights a confluence of issues surrounding the Sabres. KeyBank Center is badly in need of extensive renovations—due to both its age compared to many other NHL venues and the constant wear from Buffalo winters—while the Sabres are concluding their 14th straight non-playoff season, tied with the NFL’s Jets for the longest active postseason drought in U.S. major men’s pro sports.

Team owner Terry Pegula, meanwhile, has a series of other active concerns, including ownership of the NFL’s Bills and the Bandits. The Bills are building a new stadium in suburban Orchard Park, but are soaring over budget in that project, with the facility now costing more than $2 billion and recently requiring Pegula to get a debt limit waiver from the NFL to borrow additional funds.

The Bandits, meanwhile, are the defending NLL champions, are again the top seed in the upcoming playoffs, routinely draw better crowds than the Sabres, and just set a league attendance record [[link removed]].

The Sabres, however, are not a candidate to move to another city vying for an NHL franchise. Not only is Buffalo still a hockey hotbed, regularly hosting a variety of major youth events in addition to the Sabres, but Pegula’s ownership of the Bills and Bandits makes a move elsewhere for the Sabres essentially untenable.

“The current lease provides a number of options that will allow us to find a solution for everyone involved that will ensure the long-term success of the Sabres and KeyBank Center,” said team COO Pete Guelli in a statement.

STATUS REPORT Two Up, Two Down

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Trae Young ⬇ The Hawks star drew two technical fouls and was ejected in the fourth quarter of Atlanta’s 25-point loss in the Play-In Tournament to the Magic. He was ejected for throwing a hard pass at one referee, then kicking the ball away from another soon after. Referee James Williams said Young was “making a mockery of the game.” Young received a $6,000 fine for his ejection [[link removed]], according to Spotrac.

Emilia Romagna Grand Prix ⬇ Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali indicated on an Italian radio show that it is “increasingly difficult” to have two races in the same country. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, known as Imola, is likely to be the race cut from F1’s record 24-race calendar as its contract expires this year. The Italian Grand Prix, known as Monza, has a contract with F1 until 2031.

Pirates fans ⬆ The embattled MLB club said Wednesday it will create a new permanent display for fans’ bricks at PNC Park that were recently removed [[link removed]], sparking another wave of outcry. Fans who donated to the original Bucco Brick program will also be eligible to receive a free commemorative brick. “We are, and always have been, absolutely committed to ensuring these special messages and tributes live on permanently,” said team president Travis Williams in an open letter to fans.

Olympic golf ⬆ The 2028 Los Angeles Games will feature a 36-hole mixed-team golf competition featuring one man and one woman from each eligible nation, as the sport continues to be elevated [[link removed]] on the international stage. The International Olympic Committee executive board approved the format this week. Riviera Country Club, which was unable to host its annual PGA Tour tournament [[link removed]] because of the Los Angeles wildfires, is scheduled to host the Olympic golf competitions in 2028.

FRONT OFFICE SPORTS LIVE

Redefining the Future

As a proud extension of the Mizuho Americas Open, Excel Sports Management and Front Office Sports present the Breaking Barriers Summit [[link removed]], with official partners Versant Health and Delta Air Lines—designed to celebrate and empower female leaders across industries.

Inspired by the excellence, resilience, and ambition seen in women’s golf, this exclusive event unites trailblazers and changemakers for meaningful conversations about leadership, innovation, and empowerment.

Through dynamic panel discussions and networking opportunities, the summit fosters collaboration among industry leaders, inspiring the next generation of women in business.

The Breaking Barriers Summit will take place May 8 in New York City. Learn more or request to attend here [[link removed]].

Conversation Starters Travis Hunter told CBS Sports that he will never play football again [[link removed]] if he can’t play both sides of the ball in the NFL. Check out [[link removed]] the photo Ken Griffey Jr. took of Rory McIlroy moments after he won The Masters. Paige Bueckers turned emotional when talking about the impact her former UConn teammates had on her journey to the WNBA. Take a look [[link removed]]. Editors’ Picks Sports Prediction Markets Still Face Legal Roadblocks [[link removed]]by Ben Horney [[link removed]]The Wire Act and tribal sovereignty could be the next legal battlegrounds. Canadian Political Debate Rescheduled for Canadiens Game [[link removed]]by Alex Schiffer [[link removed]]It’s not the first time Canadian politicians have made accommodations for hockey. Steve Ballmer Begs Trump Administration To Reverse Cuts to Education Research [[link removed]]by Alex Schiffer [[link removed]]The Clippers owner addressed a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon. Advertise [[link removed]] Awards [[link removed]] Learning [[link removed]] Events [[link removed]] Video [[link removed]] Shows [[link removed]] Written by Amanda Christovich [[link removed]], Colin Salao [[link removed]], Eric Fisher [[link removed]] Edited by Matthew Tabeek [[link removed]], Or Moyal [[link removed]]

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