Front Office Fantasies: The Rise of Managerial Sports Media

Front office executives have become high-profile commentators, movie and video game protagonists, and role models for a generation raised in the data-driven, financialized world of contemporary sports. Branden Buehler examines the media transformation of these once obscure management figures into esteemed experts and sporting idols, showing how a fixation on managerial moves has taken hold across the entire sports media landscape. He explores the unsettling implications of exalting the management class and its logics, arguing that sports media's managerial lionization serves as one of the clearest reflections of major material and ideological changes taking place across culture and society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 08 January 2024
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

Front office executives have emerged as prominent figures in the media, captivating audiences as commentators, movie and video game protagonists, and role models for a generation raised in the data-driven, financialized world of contemporary sports. In his book, Branden Buehler delves into the remarkable transformation of these once obscure management figures into esteemed experts and sporting idols.

Buehler's exploration spans from the early days of Moneyball and Football Manager to the current obsession with analytics gurus like Daryl Morey. He demonstrates how a fixation on managerial moves has permeated the entire sports media landscape. Through a chapter-by-chapter analysis of specific media forms, Buehler highlights various aspects of the managerial craze while examining the corresponding effects on fans' experiences, including what they see, hear, and engage with.

Throughout his book, Buehler critically examines the implications of elevating the management class and its logics. He argues that sports media's managerial lionization serves as a clear reflection of profound material and ideological changes sweeping across culture and society. Front Office Fantasies offers valuable insights and a timely perspective, revealing how sports media has shifted the focus from the field to the executive suite.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252087745