FRONT OFFICE SPORTS LAUNCHES "THE BIG DEAL" WITH BOBBY BONILLA; BASEBALL LEGEND TALKS CONTRACT AND PERSONAL FINANCE IN NEW FILM PREMIERING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NUVEEN
New campaign explores the power of guaranteed income in retirement planning through the story of Bonilla's legendary deal
NEW YORK, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Front Office Sports, the leading multiplatform media and news organization covering the business of sports, today debuted a new short film detailing how former Major League Baseball player Bobby Bonilla secured long-term financial security through a now-legendary contract. The film, titled The Big Deal, from Front Office Sports Studios, premieres in partnership with global asset manager Nuveen.
"That guaranteed income is everything," said Bonilla during an interview for The Big Deal. "That assurance that I'm able to take care of everybody, that's peace of mind everybody should enjoy."
The Big Deal is based on Bonilla's 2000 player agreement, which saw him defer payment for 10 years, an unusual move at the time, allowing for the accrual of interest and resulting in the continued payout of $1.2 million annually, similar to a fixed annuity, each July 1 and set to continue until July 1, 2035. Among fans, July 1 has become known as "Bobby Bonilla Day."
"What Bobby Bonilla secured through an iconic contract, we're now working to make available to everyday Americans through their workplace retirement plans," said Brendan McCarthy, Head of Retirement Investing at Nuveen. "The demand for predictable, guaranteed income that can't be outlived is universal."
"What's made headlines with Bobby Bonilla's contract is something TIAA has been delivering to educators and researchers for over a century - guaranteed income that provides financial security regardless of market conditions," said Colbert Narcisse, Chief Product and Business Development Officer at TIAA.
In addition to Bonilla, The Big Deal features a sit-down interview with Front Office Sports's Eric Fisher.
"Athletes are businesspeople, and businesspeople continue to be inspired by athletes," said Jonny Sonkin, Chief Operating Officer of Front Office Sports. "Front Office Sports has become the go-to place for athlete-led storytelling. With The Big Deal, we're shining a light on one of the original and most iconic contract deferrals in sports, a practice that has now become more common among athletes, who go through the same long-term thought process with finances that many people do in their daily lives."
In partnership with Nuveen, The Big Deal showcases and simplifies complex financial topics, including retirement planning, annuities, and fixed payments.
The Big Deal, produced by FOS Studios, is now available here.
About Front Office Sports
Front Office Sports is the leading multiplatform media and news organization covering the business of sports, boasting an audience that every month delivers more than 200 million social impressions, 35 million newsletter opens, 10 million video views, and 2 million page views. In addition, with more than 15 distribution partners, FOS content appears on screens in more than 50,000 buildings and venues across North America. Front Office Sports was named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in 2021, AdWeek's Hottest in Sports in 2022, and listed on Inc. 5000 in 2023, recognizing the fastest-growing private companies in America.
About Front Office Sports Studios
Front Office Sports Studios is a television, film, digital, and brand studio driven by a passion for bold, premium storytelling that captures greatness in motion. Specializing in the development, production, and distribution of unscripted and scripted content, we craft cinematic narratives that resonate across television, film, digital, and brand platforms.
Leveraging the editorial authority of its flagship namesake, our focus lies at the intersection of sports, business, and culture, bringing to life stories that are as ambitious and inspiring as the people behind them.
Powered by industry-leading partnerships, Redbird IMI, and a commitment to authentic, character-driven storytelling, we collaborate with legends and rising stars alike—building relationships that inspire trust and fuel creativity. We believe exceptional stories begin with compelling characters and high-stakes journeys that leave a lasting impact. Whether it's chronicling cultural icons or exploring untold narratives, we don't just create content—we forge experiences that inspire, captivate, and connect with audiences worldwide across all mediums.
About Nuveen
Nuveen, the investment manager of TIAA, offers a comprehensive range of outcome-focused investment solutions designed to secure the long-term financial goals of institutional and individual investors. Its investment specialists offer deep expertise across a comprehensive range of traditional and alternative investments through a wide array of vehicles and customized strategies. For more information, please visit Nuveen.com.
SOURCE Front Office Sports