Messi Makes World Cup History, The Miz Keeps Dealing & Florida Reloads for Another Title Run

Caitlin vs. Angel, World Cup Fever & MLB Labor Trouble Ahead

The Caitlin Clark–Angel Reese rivalry takes center stage again as the WNBA's biggest stars continue to elevate women's basketball to new heights. Larry Smith and producer Tony break down the latest chapter in the matchup, why the comparisons to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird may be more accurate than Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas, and how both players are helping transform the league's future. The guys also dive into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico becoming the first nation to advance to the knockout stage, and what the tournament's early weeks say about soccer's growing presence in North America. In baseball, attention turns to Detroit ace Tarik Skubal and the possibility of a blockbuster trade, while concerns continue to grow over MLB's labor negotiations and whether the sport could be headed toward another damaging work stoppage. Larry and Tony examine the proposed draft changes, the history of the 1994 strike, and why both sides may be on a collision course. Plus, a Father's Day tribute, favorite championship memories, and today's Moment of Awe celebrating Hall of Fame hitter Wee Willie Keeler and his remarkable 44-game hitting streak to open the 1897 season. #SportsIQ #CaitlinClark #AngelReese #WNBA #WorldCup2026 #MLB #TarikSkubal #Baseball #FathersDay #SportsPodcast

Hurricanes Hoist the Cup, Tiger’s Pebble Beach Masterpiece & WNBA Contenders Take Shape

The Carolina Hurricanes are Stanley Cup champions, and play-by-play voice Mike Maniscalco joins Larry to relive an unforgettable championship run. From Rod Brind’Amour’s leadership to rookie goaltender Brandon Bussey’s stunning emergence, Mike shares what it was like to call the biggest moments in franchise history and why this title means so much to Raleigh and Hurricanes fans everywhere. Larry also looks back at Tiger Woods’ historic 2000 U.S. Open victory at Pebble Beach in today’s Moment of Awe, revisiting one of the most dominant performances in golf history. Plus, a full sports roundup featuring World Cup action, the College World Series championship matchup between North Carolina and Oklahoma, MLB storylines from New York and Atlanta, and a deep dive into the WNBA with PHNX Sports reporter Stephen PridGeon-Gardner. The conversation covers the struggles of the Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky, the dominance of the Minnesota Lynx, the continued excellence of A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces, and what to expect from the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup championship game.

Messi Makes World Cup History, The Miz Keeps Dealing & Florida Reloads for Another Title Run

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, and history is already being made. Lionel Messi delivers his first-ever World Cup hat trick on his 200th appearance for Argentina, while France opens with a win behind Kylian Mbappé. Larry breaks down the early tournament storylines and what they mean for the road ahead. The NBA Finals produced massive television numbers as the New York Knicks captured their first championship in 53 years, sparking a conversation about parity, dynasties, and whether eight champions in eight seasons is actually good for the league. In today's Moment of Awe, Larry revisits one of baseball's most unbreakable records: George "Zip" Zabel's astonishing 18⅓ innings of relief in a 19-inning game for the Chicago Cubs in 1915—a feat that remains untouched more than a century later. Brewers beat writer Todd Rosiak joins the show to discuss the unbelievable rise of Jacob Misiorowski. Is "The Miz" already the National League Cy Young favorite? How does his dominance compare to legends like Bob Gibson and Orel Hershiser? And could baseball be headed toward a future showdown with Paul Skenes? Later, Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun checks in from Florida to talk Gators basketball after an offseason coup that saw key players return for another championship run. The conversation also covers Todd Golden's growing reputation, the future of college basketball in the NIL era, Florida football under John Summerall, and the ongoing challenges of sports gambling governance. Plus: John Tortorella's surprising departure from Vegas, Men's College World Series updates, Yankees life without Aaron Judge, the White Sox turnaround, and why Walker Kessler's reported contract extension has NBA fans scratching their heads. #SportsIQ #WorldCup2026 #LionelMessi #JacobMisiorowski #MLB #Brewers #FloridaGators #CollegeBasketball #NBAFinals #Yankees #NCAA #LarrySmith

US Open Pressure, Stanley Cup Glory & College Sports Chaos

The sports world never slows down, and today Larry Smith dives into some of the biggest stories across golf, hockey, tennis, and college athletics. CBS Sports golf writer Robby Kalland joins the show to preview the U.S. Open, discuss Rory McIlroy’s pursuit of history after completing the career Grand Slam, examine Scottie Scheffler’s current form, and explain how the condensed major championship calendar has changed the game for golf’s biggest stars. Later, CBS Sports NHL writer Austin Nivison breaks down the Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup championship, the remarkable emergence of goaltender Brandon Bussey, Rod Brind’Amour’s growing legacy, and the state of parity across the NHL. They also look ahead to an offseason filled with questions surrounding Alex Ovechkin, Connor McDavid, and several other marquee names. Larry also tackles the ever-evolving Brendan Sorsby saga involving Texas Tech, the Big 12, and sports gambling, while exploring what the case could mean for the future governance of college athletics. The show also examines Kentucky’s hiring of a new athletic director, Serena and Venus Williams reuniting for Wimbledon doubles, and the growing challenges facing college sports in the modern era. Plus, today’s Moment of Awe celebrates Al Geiberger, whose historic 59 at the 1977 Danny Thomas Memphis Classic made him the first golfer ever to shoot below 60 in a PGA Tour event—an achievement that changed golf history forever.

Knicks End 53-Year Drought, Hurricanes Hoist the Cup & Baseball’s Most Dominant Pitcher

The sports world crowns two new champions as the New York Knicks capture their first NBA title since 1973 and the Carolina Hurricanes lift the Stanley Cup for the first time in two decades. Larry Smith is joined by CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish to break down Jalen Brunson’s historic postseason, Mike Brown’s first-year title run, and what’s next for Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. Larry and producer Tony dive deeper into why the Knicks’ culture, chemistry, and unselfish roster construction made them champions—and whether New York can repeat in 2027. They also discuss NBA offseason storylines including Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future, LeBron James’ next move, and potential Western Conference shakeups. On the ice, the Hurricanes end a 20-year championship drought behind surprise goaltender Brandon Boose and Conn Smythe winner Jordan Staal. Plus, baseball fans are witnessing a pitching run for the ages as Jacob Misiorowski posts numbers reminiscent of Bob Gibson and Orel Hershiser.