Revenue sharing in college athletics launched today following the NCAA House settlement. Schools are now allowed to pay student athletes directly up to $20.5 million of their athletic revenue. Wilson Alexander of the Advocate spoke to LSU officials trying to navigate a new era of collegiate sports. LSU’s usually profitable athletics department is facing a projected 8-million-dollar deficit thanks to revenue sharing. He says the school will find a new revenue stream in advertisements on the 25-yard-line at Tiger Stadium, and officials hope to be back in the black by 2027…

Cut 11 (12) “…dollars a year.”

Alexander says LSU has a sponsor lined up and plans to seamlessly integrate the on-field logo with a purple and gold color scheme.

Oregon left-hander Santiago Garcia announced his commitment to LSU. The sophomore New Mexico native was the high school teammate of Tigers shortstop Steven Milam. He tallied 49 strikeouts in 30 innings with the Ducks last season. 

Former UL-Lafayette All-American left-hander and pitching coach Gunner Leger announced his resignation after two seasons. Leger’s staff showed promise his first year helping the team to a Sun Belt title with a 4.48 ERA, but that mark jumped to 5.53 this year.

Former LSU forward Trendon Watford agreed to a two-year $5.3 million deal with the 76ers last night. Watford spent the previous two seasons with the Nets after signing with the Trailblazers as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He averaged over ten points in 44 games last season.

The Pelicans announced their preseason schedule today. New Orleans will tip off in Melbourne Australia October 3 with games against Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix. New Orleans will return home to host the Rockets in Birmingham October 14 before wrapping up the preseason against the Magic.