Messi’s Magic, WNBA All-Stars & NFL Training Camps Begin

Messi’s Magic, WNBA All-Stars & NFL Training Camps Begin

Lionel Messi delivers another unforgettable World Cup moment as Argentina rallies past England to set up a dream final against Spain. Larry Smith and Producer Tony break down Messi's remarkable legacy, the history on the line in Sunday's championship match, and why this could be one of the biggest World Cup finals ever. They also look back at an incredible Olympic Trials day in 1988 when Flo-Jo and Jackie Joyner-Kersee set world records while Carl Lewis nearly added a third in today's Moment of Awe. The conversation shifts to college football's NIL era, where Ole Miss considers legal action against former players over unpaid buyout agreements, raising new questions about the business of college athletics. Plus, the Brewers bolster their rotation ahead of the MLB stretch run, the WNBA unveils its All-Star teams while Golden State continues its remarkable rise, and Larry and Tony discuss the league's rapid expansion and growing popularity. Finally, with Seahawks camp opening first, football officially returns as the countdown to another NFL season begins.

MLB's First No-Hitter, All-Star History, NBA Summer League Standouts & Baseball's Second-Half Race

The MLB All-Star break is over, and SportsIQ with Larry Smith looks ahead to a fascinating second half of the baseball season while diving into one of the game's oldest records. In today's Moment of Awe, Larry tells the story of George Bradley, who threw Major League Baseball's very first no-hitter on July 15, 1876, before later serving as a Philadelphia police officer. Larry also breaks down the American League's dominant All-Star Game victory and shares incredible Mid-Summer Classic trivia, including why Hank Aaron appeared in 25 All-Star Games despite playing only 23 seasons, the legends who own All-Star records, and the unique era when MLB played two All-Star Games each season. Heavy.com's Erik Anderson joins the show from Las Vegas to evaluate NBA Summer League, discussing AJ Dybantsa, Darren Peterson, Caleb Wilson, Cameron Boozer, Keaton Walker, Yang Hansen, and the rookies and second-year players turning heads before training camp. Then Heavy.com's TJ French previews the MLB trade deadline, labor negotiations, playoff races, and which contenders—including the Phillies, Cubs, Brewers, Red Sox, Yankees, and Marlins—could shape the road to October. Finally, Larry and Producer Tony debate the biggest surprises of the baseball season, potential trade deadline moves, why Milwaukee continues to outperform expectations, and whether anyone can stop the defending champion Dodgers. From baseball history to NBA prospects and pennant-race predictions, it's another packed edition of SportsIQ with Larry Smith.

Raiders Rebuild Revealed, MLB All-Star Night & The NFL's Most Bizarre Franchise Trade

The Major League Baseball All-Star Game takes center stage, Spain and France collide in a World Cup semifinal, and Larry Smith is joined by longtime NFL insider Hondo Carpenter for an in-depth look at one of the league's most fascinating offseason stories. Hondo explains why he believes the Las Vegas Raiders have undergone a complete cultural transformation under new leadership, why first-year head coach Clint Kubiak impressed everyone inside the organization, how Tom Brady and GM John Spytek have reshaped the franchise's vision, and why this rebuild is unlike any Raiders reboot in decades. If you're looking for real football insight—not hot takes—this conversation delivers. Plus, today's Moment of Awe revisits one of the strangest transactions in sports history: the 1972 day when the owners of the Baltimore Colts and Los Angeles Rams literally traded NFL franchises, forever changing the futures of both organizations.

MLB All-Star History, NBA Summer League Buzz & World Cup Semifinals

Baseball's biggest celebration takes center stage as Larry Smith dives into the rich history of the MLB All-Star Game—from its surprising origins with a Chicago newspaper editor to Babe Ruth's unforgettable performance in the very first Midsummer Classic. Larry and Producer Tony also discuss why baseball's All-Star Game remains the gold standard among professional sports exhibitions. Plus, a look at the NBA Summer League's brightest young stars, including AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and other top draft picks making early impressions, the latest from the FIFA World Cup semifinals, the Seahawks' record-setting $9.6 billion sale, Victor Wembanyama's new contract, WNBA headlines, and a Moment of Awe featuring Nolan Ryan and Steve Renko's heartbreaking near no-hitters on the very same day in baseball history.

Broncos Rising, Bruins Reloading & An All-Star Baseball Legend

The NFL season is getting closer, and the Denver Broncos enter 2026 with high expectations. Denver Post beat writer Parker Gabriel joins the show to discuss Bo Nix's recovery, Sean Payton's leadership, the addition of Jaylen Waddle, and whether the Broncos are ready to contend for a Super Bowl. Later, Larry talks Bruins hockey with Black & Gold Productions founder Mark Allred, breaking down Boston's offseason moves, Jeremy Swayman's future, the organization's prospect pipeline, and what the Bruins still need to become a Stanley Cup contender. Plus, today's Moment of Awe looks back at one of the greatest pitching performances in baseball history, when Carl Hubbell struck out five future Hall of Famers in a row during the 1934 MLB All-Star Game. We also cover the hottest teams in Major League Baseball, NBA Summer League standouts, Women's World Cup action, college basketball recruiting, WNBA milestones, and the remarkable story of Sean Payton's attempt to bring Bill Belichick to Denver.