# 07/27/26 Hour 2: Cardinals and Cubs Renew Rivalry, Do the Sixers Still Need Joel Embiid After LeBron James Trade & More on Illinois' Busey Partnership

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-drive-on-espn-93-5-477079/07-27-26-hour-2-cardinals-and-cubs-renew-rivalry-do-the-sixers-still-need-joel-embiid-after-lebron-james-trade-more-on-illinois-busey-partnership
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-drive-on-espn-93-5-477079/07-27-26-hour-2-cardinals-and-cubs-renew-rivalry-do-the-sixers-still-need-joel-embiid-after-lebron-james-trade-more-on-illinois-busey-partnership.md
Podcast: [The Drive on ESPN 93.5](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-drive-on-espn-93-5-477079)
Published: 2026-07-27T22:24:47+00:00
Episode link: https://tayandpiper.podbean.com/e/072726/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tdn32tsaeb2hmki6/07-24-26_HOUR_2a7w0m.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-drive-on-espn-93-5-477079/episodes/07-27-26-hour-2-cardinals-and-cubs-renew-rivalry-do-the-sixers-still-need-joel-embiid-after-lebron-james-trade-more-on-illinois-busey-partnership
Duration seconds: 3130

## Resource

The Cardinals and Cubs renew one of baseball's greatest rivalries as they open a four-game series with plenty on the line. The Cardinals are looking to gain ground in the National League playoff race, while the Cubs hope to protect their position atop the division. We preview the pitching matchups, key hitters to watch, trade deadline storylines, and what this series could mean as both clubs approach the stretch run. The NBA conversation shifts to Philadelphia following the blockbuster acquisition of LeBron James. With LeBron joining an already talented roster, we debate whether the 76ers still need Joel Embiid to be legitimate championship contenders. Is the franchise better served building around LeBron and its younger core, or does Embiid remain the centerpiece despite his injury history? We examine how the Sixers could look entering the 2026-27 season. The hour also continues our discussion on Illinois Athletics' historic new partnership with Busey Bank. We dive deeper into the financial impact of the reported $30 million agreement, what the jersey patch sponsorship means for Illinois' national brand, and how the additional revenue can help the Fighting Illini remain competitive in the ever-changing landscape of college athletics through recruiting, facilities, and revenue sharing.

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