Larry Smith breaks down a whirlwind of sports headlines and exclusive interviews:

• ⚾️ MLB All‑Star Break Preview

  • Tonight’s midsummer classic at Truist Park in Cumberland, Georgia

  • Cal Raleigh makes history as the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby, with family pitching and catching

• ⚾️ Rays Ownership Shakeup

  • Tampa Bay Rays reported for sale at a $1.7 billion price tag

  • Future of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg vs. potential move to Tampa

• 🏀 WNBA Expansion News

  • Return of the Portland Fire as the next expansion franchise (2000–2002 revival)

  • Star guard Rhyne Howard sidelined for July after knee injury

  • A’ja Wilson invests in Boston’s NWSL expansion team

• 🎾 Wimbledon Moment of Awe

  • Iga Świątek’s dominant 6–0, 6–0 victory in the women’s final

  • Only the second “double bagel” in Wimbledon women’s final history

• 🏈 SEC Media Days Recap

  • Key takeaways from Greg Sankey on playoff expansion, new era of NIL and the House settlement

  • Inside look at commissioner collaboration with Big 10’s Tony Petitti

• 🏈 College Football Outlook with Andrew Monaco

  • Evaluating Texas A &M’s culture reset under Mike Elko

  • Returning starters, quarterback Marcel Reed’s leadership, and offseason roster retention

• 🏀 NBA Summer League & Al Horford Update

  • Victor Wembanyama cleared for 2025–26 season after blood‑clot scare

  • Standout performances by Drew Timme, Tre Johnson, Terrence Shannon Jr.

  • 39‑year‑old Al Horford weighing retirement vs. potential roles with Lakers or Warriors

Tags:
MLB All‑Star Game • Cal Raleigh • Tampa Bay Rays sale • WNBA expansion • Portland Fire • Rhyne Howard injury • A’ja Wilson • Wimbledon double bagel • Iga Świątek • SEC Media Days • Greg Sankey • NIL regulations • College Football Playoff • Texas A &M Aggies • Mike Elko • Marcel Reed • NBA Summer League • Victor Wembanyama • Al Horford retirement

On today’s Sports IQ with Larry Smith, we dive into a jam-packed weekend in sports:

🎾 Wimbledon Recap & American Talent
Tennis journalist Amy Lundy joins us to break down the new champions at SW19, the rise of the “new two,” and why a surge of American men—including Ben Shelton and Francis Tiafoe—is finally poised to break through.

⚾ MLB Draft Surprises
The Nationals shock with 17-year-old shortstop Eli Willetts at No. 1, while the Mariners trade up to claim LSU lefty Cade Anderson and shell out an $8.8 million bonus. We look at what these picks mean for Washington and Seattle’s futures.

⛳ Moment of Awe: Joe Pavelski
Just one year into retirement, former NHL star Joe Pavelski sinks a walk-off eagle on 18 at Tahoe to win the American Century Championship. Drama you couldn’t script—our breakdown of the shot that stunned the celebrity field.

🏀 WNBA Rising: Mystics’ Rookie Revolution
Kareem Copeland of The Washington Post explores how Sidney Johnson’s “draft and develop” approach has DC’s youngest roster exceeding all expectations, led by standout rookies Sonja Citron and Shakira Austin.

#Wimbledon2025 #MLBDraft #JoePavelski #AmericanCenturyChampionship #WNBA #WashingtonMystics #SportsIQ

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📚 FEATURE INTERVIEW: Jane McManus on The Fast Track
Larry and Tony welcome NYU professor and sports journalist Jane McManus, author of The Fast Track: Inside the Surging Business of Women's Sports. They discuss the decades-long fight for visibility and equity, the WNBA’s surge, the economics behind rising franchise valuations, and the possibility of future co-ed pro leagues.

🏈 Coach Prime Steals the Show at Big 12 Media Days
Deion Sanders lights up the mic with gratitude, swagger, and strong words about NIL, program building, and recruiting without his sons.

🏀 Caitlin Clark’s Friday Night Spotlight + WNBA Preview
Larry sets the stage for the ION WNBA doubleheader, with Clark making her long-awaited Friday debut and Seattle looking to bounce back in Game 2.

💰 NBA's Next Dynasty? OKC’s $822M Core Locked In
Thunder ownership makes a bold statement by securing Jalen Williams, SGA, and Chet Holmgren on max deals — can they build a long-term contender?

⚾ MLB Comebacks, Collapses, and Hot Streaks
The Yankees erase a 5–0 deficit, the Red Sox and Orioles roll, and the A’s walk it off in extras. Plus, concerns mounting in Atlanta.

🎓 Will March Madness Expand Again?
The NCAA mulls new formats beyond the current 68-team bracket, with a decision likely before mid-August.

🏟️ Bears & Browns Stadium Drama
New stadium battles heat up in Chicago and Cleveland — but who pays for it all?

Jane McManus The Fast TrackWNBA Expansion 2025Deion Sanders Big 12 Media DayColorado Football 2025Caitlin Clark Friday Night GameOKC Thunder ContractsNBA Summer League Bronny JamesNCAA March Madness ExpansionNFL Stadium Chicago ClevelandSportsIQ Podcast Larry Smith

On today’s SportsIQ, Larry Smith breaks down a massive Friday in sports:

🏈 Florida State football in crisis mode — Peter Holland Jr. (Tallahassee Democrat) joins to explain what went wrong in 2024 and how the Seminoles are trying to course-correct with new staff, recruits, and a reset.

⚾ Detroit Tigers surging — Columnist Shawn Windsor (Detroit Free Press) shares how AJ Hinch, homegrown talent, and smart clubhouse chemistry have the Tigers eyeing a playoff push. From Scuba's dominance to the bullpen’s emergence, it’s Detroit’s most exciting run in years.

🎾 Moment of Awe: Taylor Fritz reaches his first Wimbledon semi-final and faces defending champ Carlos Alcaraz. Can he become the first American male finalist since Andy Roddick in 2009?

🏀 NBA contracts explode — Larry and Tony react to record-breaking salaries for Devin Booker and Paolo Banchero and debate whether these stars are really worth the money.

🏀 WNBA drama & dominance — Caitlin Clark returns, Golden State continues to stun, and Alyssa Thomas and Tina Charles headline a powerful week.

📢 Plus: Updates on MLB headlines, College Football Playoff expansion, and rising pressure on Mike Norvell’s FSU program.

Florida State footballPeter Holland Tallahassee DemocratShawn Windsor Detroit Free PressDetroit Tigers 2025 seasonTariq Skubal Cy YoungTaylor Fritz Wimbledon 2025Carlos Alcaraz WimbledonDevin Booker NBA contractPaolo Banchero extensionWNBA Friday Night on IonCaitlin Clark injury returnAlyssa Thomas Tina CharlesSportsIQ podcast Larry Smith

On this episode of SportsIQ, host Larry Smith covers a packed midweek slate of sports headlines and in-depth conversations:

🏈 Notre Dame football recruiting is red-hot — Eric Hansen of Blue & Gold Illustrated joins Tony Cordaro to break down the Irish’s newest commits, NFL legacy prospects, defensive back dominance, and the Marcus Freeman effect in South Bend.

🏀 WNBA rising stars & team identity shifts — Stephen PridGeon-Garner from PHNX Sports returns to talk Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and how adversity has revealed emerging leadership in Angel Reese, Camila Cardoso, and Haley Van Lith.

⚾ Moment of Awe – Giants catcher Patrick Bailey hits the first walk-off inside-the-park homer by a catcher since 1926. Nearly 100 years of history in one wild sprint.

🏀 Plus: Updates on Asia Wilson’s injury, Sabrina Ionescu’s big night, and the Liberty vs. Aces rivalry.
🏈 Big 12 media days get spicy, and Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire takes a shot at Brian Kelly and the SEC.

• Eric Hansen (Blue & Gold Illustrated – Notre Dame football)

• Stephen PridGeon-Garner (PHNX Sports – WNBA)

Notre Dame football recruitingMarcus FreemanEric Hansen Blue & GoldAngel Reese Chicago SkyCamila Cardoso BrazilHaley Van Lith WNBAStephen PridGeon-Garner PHNXPhoenix Mercury surprise teamAsia Wilson injury newsPatrick Bailey GiantsInside-the-park walk-offSportsIQ with Larry SmithJoey McGuire Brian KellyBig 12 Media DaysWNBA Liberty Aces Caitlin ClarkCollege football playoffsTexas Tech footballMLB moments of awe

Larry Smith delivers a packed college football and sports roundup:

🏈 Nebraska’s Comeback Quest – Evan Bland (Omaha World-Herald) breaks down the Huskers' promising third year under Matt Rhule, the development of QB Dylan Raiola, and why 2025 might finally be the year Nebraska turns the corner.

〽️ Michigan Reloads – Tony Garcia (Detroit Free Press) joins to preview a deep and dangerous Wolverine defense, Bryce Underwood’s hype train, and the backfield battle that could define Michigan’s season.

⚾ MLB Roundup – Fireworks on and off the field with standout pitching from the Tigers, a meltdown for the Dodgers, and a heartwarming moment from the Phillies’ new four-legged teammate.

⛳ Moment of Awe – Imagine winning a pro tournament by six strokes… and not being allowed to cash the $80,000 check. Meet Florida State’s Lottie Woad and the strange rule keeping her broke (for now).

🏀 WNBA Refs Under Fire – Angel Reese sounds off about officiating frustrations after a bruising matchup. Producer Tony breaks down where she’s right—and where she crosses the line.

📈 Stat of the Week – The Pirates just pulled off a bizarre first in MLB history that you have to hear to believe.

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TAGS:
Nebraska Football 2025Matt Rhule HuskersDylan Raiola Nebraska QBMichigan Wolverines PreviewBryce Underwood MichiganTony Garcia Detroit Free PressEvan Bland Omaha World HeraldAngel Reese WNBALottie Woad KPMG Women’s Irish OpenMLB Dodgers BrewersPittsburgh Pirates Shutout StreakLarry Smith SportsIQ Podcast

On this post-holiday edition of Sports IQ, Larry Smith and producer Tony Cordaro tackle the hottest topics in sports and pop culture:

⚾ MLB Midseason Mayhem:

• Nationals fire manager Dave Martinez and GM Mike Rizzo.

• Braves, Phillies, and Mets — who can salvage their season?

• Yankees and Dodgers hunt for healthy arms.

• Are blockbuster trades coming, including potential Paul Skenes or Acuña Jr. deals?

🎯 Inside the ABS System:
Veteran sports anchor Paul Crane joins Tony to break down baseball’s automated ball-strike system being tested in the minors — could it be a game-changer for MLB?

🏆 MLB All-Star Roster Reveal:
Larry highlights rising stars and legends alike, from 22-year-old slugger James Wood to future Hall-of-Famer Clayton Kershaw.

🏀 WNBA Update:

• Liberty stumble without Jonquel Jones

• All-Star reserves announced, including Angel Reese and Courtney Williams

• Is Caitlin Clark's injury more serious than expected?

🎬 Best Sports Movies of All Time:
Film critic Stephen Michael Brown joins the show to talk Brad Pitt’s new F1 flick, the rise of Formula 1 films, and his picks for best (and worst) sports movies ever — from Bull Durham to Million Dollar Baby, Remember the Titans to Any Given Sunday.

💬 PLUS:

• What makes a perfect sports film?

• How movies can teach empathy and history

• The moment of awe: Cubs launch 8 homers on July 4th

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On this July 4th edition of SportsIQ with Larry Smith, we take a deep dive into the now-approved House settlement and its massive implications for college athletics, NIL policy, and the future of sports governance.

🎙️ Larry hosts a full hour of high-impact analysis with three leading voices:

• Michael LeRoy (University of Illinois) unpacks the legal, financial, and enforcement landscape post-settlement, including collective bargaining, the Deloitte NIL Clearinghouse, and the slow march toward professionalization.

• Matt Brown (ExtraPointsMB.com) explains what the $20.5M revenue-sharing cap really means, how schools will (or won’t) comply, and why the “Macy’s bags” of illegal booster payments may still be lurking.

• Victoria Jackson (ASU sports historian) outlines the longer arc of college football’s commercialization, how Title IX is being circumvented, and why a total system reorganization may be inevitable.

📚 Topics covered:

• What changes on July 1 and what doesn’t

• Why NIL enforcement may collapse under appeals

• Whether football is dragging other sports into a flawed model

• How historic inequality persists despite reforms

• Who wins—and who gets squeezed—as the Big Ten and SEC consolidate power

TAGSHouse Settlement NILMichael LeRoy sports lawMatt Brown Extra PointsVictoria Jackson ASUCollege Football revenue sharingNIL Clearinghouse DeloitteNCAA enforcement NILTitle IX and NILBig Ten SEC futureCollege athletics antitrustSportsIQ Podcast Larry Smith