4:45 LRN Sportscast June 30

In a stunning move, it appears that Pac-12 royalty USC and UCLA are preparing to join the Big Ten as early as 2024. Several sources indicate that both schools have begun the process of formally applying to the Big Ten and an announcement is expected within the next 24 hours. The timing of the move coincides with the expiration of the Pac-12 television contract after the 2023 football season. The departures of these “blue bloods” seem to have been accelerated by Texas and Oklahoma leaving the Big 12 behind for the SEC. Conference revenue projections now have the SEC and Big Ten making nearly double the amount of money generated by some other Power 5 conferences by the end of this decade, and that’s before the Big Ten finalizes its television deal with Fox. NYU Sports Law professor and co-host of the Conduct Detrimental podcast, Dan Lust, says the optics are what they are…

Cut 21 (07) “…super two, right?”

Fans and media got their first look at new Pelicans Dyson Daniels and EJ Liddell today, as the team held an introductory press conference. The youth, depth, and potential of the roster are exciting, and Coach Willie Green says having a lot of talent is a great problem to have.

Cut 22 (09) “…deep roster.”

NBA free agency begins tomorrow, and the Pels are expected to offer Zion Williamson a five-year extension worth up to $186 million. Williamson has said that signing a new deal is a “no-brainer,” however, VP of basketball operations David Griffin has said there are details to be worked out; including just how much of the extension will be guaranteed. The Pelicans have until mid-October to finalize a deal with Williamson.

LSU will welcome Louisiana Tech to Tiger Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025. The Bulldogs will receive a $1.6 million guarantee for the game. It will be the first meeting between the programs since 2018, a 38-21 victory for the Tigers.