LeBron Leaves L.A., Serena's Emotional Wimbledon Return & Bobby Bonilla Day

LeBron Leaves L.A., Serena's Emotional Wimbledon Return & Bobby Bonilla Day

LeBron James' stunning departure from the Los Angeles Lakers headlines today's SportsIQ as Larry Smith explores where the NBA superstar could land next and what his exit means for the league's balance of power. The show also celebrates Serena Williams' inspiring return to Wimbledon, reflecting on her grit, grace, and enduring legacy after an emotional singles match that may mark the final chapter of one of the greatest careers in tennis history. Major League Baseball takes center stage with Just Baseball writer A.J. Stone, who discusses the biggest surprises of the first half of the season, Bobby Bonilla Day, the rise of the Brewers and White Sox, contenders to watch before the trade deadline, and which teams are built for October. Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com joins later to break down the Pittsburgh Steelers' new era under Mike McCarthy, Aaron Rodgers' arrival, Drew Aller's development, and expectations for one of the NFL's most intriguing franchises. Plus, today's Moment of Awe looks back at the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Louis, the first Olympics ever held in the United States and the event that introduced the now-famous tradition of awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals. The show also covers Kawhi Leonard's return to Toronto, the latest FIFA World Cup knockout-round action, and closes with more insight into Serena Williams' remarkable comeback and what may be next for LeBron James.

NFL Billions, NIL One Year Later & Does the WNBA Have a Caitlin Clark Problem?

The business of sports takes center stage in today's episode of SportsIQ. Larry Smith examines the staggering rise in NFL franchise values, from the Detroit Lions' $7,900 purchase price in 1934 to today's multi-billion-dollar valuations, and explains why the league continues to dominate the sports economy. Then, sports law professor Michael LeRoy joins the show to assess the first year of the House v. NCAA settlement. The conversation explores whether NIL reforms have actually stabilized college athletics, why some football rosters reportedly continue to exceed $50 million, the role of multimedia rights companies, transfer portal challenges, gambling concerns, and what comes next for the College Sports Commission. Plus, Larry and Tony discuss the WNBA's biggest storyline: Caitlin Clark. Is the league facing a Caitlin Clark problem, or simply the growing pains that come with unprecedented popularity? They examine officiating, player physicality, media narratives, team promotion, and why the conversation should stay focused on basketball.

Historic WNBA Thriller, Hockey Draft Reactions & Notre Dame's Next Title Push

A little bit of everything on today's SportsIQ. Larry opens with one of the wildest games in WNBA history as the Washington Mystics outlast Portland in a four-overtime classic, while Cheryl Reeve ties the league's all-time coaching wins record and Scottie Scheffler's Travelers Championship turns into a weather-delayed playoff. Plus, today's Moment of Awe looks back at an unusual record held by Hall of Fame executive Branch Rickey—long before he changed baseball forever by signing Jackie Robinson. Producer Tony is joined by CBS Sports' Austin Nivison to break down the 2026 NHL Draft, the Sharks' long-term rebuild, Stanley Cup contenders loading up, the latest trade rumors surrounding Connor Hellebuyck, Auston Matthews, and Connor McDavid, plus why Mike Babcock's return may not end well. Later, Ryan Roberts of A to Z Sports previews Notre Dame's upcoming football season, discussing how the Irish replace Jeremiah Love, the evolution of the passing game, CJ Carr's development, transfer additions, elite recruiting under Marcus Freeman, and why Notre Dame's roster construction may finally resemble the nation's powerhouse programs. Larry and Tony also marvel at Brewers flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski's record-setting velocity and debate the puzzling direction of the Charlotte Hornets after a flurry of offseason trades.

Dusty May's NBA Leap, World Cup Drama & Is College Football Headed for a Power Two?

On today's SportsIQ, producer Tony takes the reins while Larry is away, and it's a packed Friday edition. We examine Dusty May's stunning decision to leave Michigan for the Dallas Mavericks and what his departure says about the rapidly changing landscape of college basketball. Plus, we recap the latest FIFA World Cup action as the United States advances to the knockout stage, Ivory Coast makes history, and Ecuador punches its ticket to the Round of 32. SEC Unfiltered's Cole Thompson joins the show for an in-depth conversation about college football's biggest offseason storylines, including the Brenden Soulesby controversy, the growing divide between the SEC and Big Ten, playoff expansion, and why a 24-team College Football Playoff may not be the answer. Later, Jonah Kubicek breaks down the Spurs' future around Victor Wembanyama, the Mavericks' new era under Dusty May, Cooper Flagg's development, and the biggest takeaways from the NBA Draft. We also cover Marina Mabrey's historic 53-point night, the latest MLB labor negotiations, Caitlin Clark and the WNBA's suspension decision, the NHL Draft, and a preview of Larry's preseason college football Top 25.

NBA Draft Winners, WNBA Officiating Boils Over & The Longest Baseball Game Ever

Mike Cagley of Illini Guys joins Larry Smith to break down one of the biggest stories of the NBA Draft. They discuss Illinois' remarkable rise as a national basketball power, Brad Underwood's success developing NBA talent, the Big Ten's growing influence, and what the latest draft says about the future of both college basketball and the NBA. They also examine the impact of Dusty May's departure from Michigan and why the conference appears poised for another outstanding season. Later, Larry and Producer Tony tackle the growing controversy surrounding WNBA officiating after another physical Indiana Fever game sparked strong criticism from head coach Stephanie White. They discuss player safety, consistency from officials, and why the league must get the calls right as its popularity continues to soar. Plus, Dansby Swanson delivers a historic performance to lead the Cubs, today's Moment of Awe revisits the legendary 33-inning Pawtucket-Rochester marathon, and the latest NBA trades and free-agent moves—including Al Horford returning for a 20th season—round out another packed edition of SportsIQ.