UConn has had a longstanding relationship with WTIC-AM 1080 in Hartford, Connecticut where women’s and men’s basketball games were broadcast on the radio station.
That partnership appears to have come to a close – at least in terms of WTIC airing UConn Huskies athletics.
The university’s media rights holder, IMG, recently dried the ink on a new 10-year contract with ESPN 97.9, which is owned by iHeartMedia. Hockey, men’s basketball, and football are also moving to the station along with iHeart pledging to air select Olympic sports that UConn offers.
Along with that, ancillary programming will also be developed as a caveat of the agreement – including a coaches’ show featuring Geno Auriemma.
Our new partnership with a dedicated sports platform hosted by the most powerful sports and media company in the country, will offer fans and listeners more opportunities to interact with our teams and coaches.
–David Benedict, UConn athletic director in a statement
WTIC was one of many radio stations that recently became purchased by Entercom as a result of the company’s buyout of the former CBS Radio. No decisions have been made regarding on-air talent for UConn athletics broadcasts, including the status of Bob Joyce and Deb Fiske on the call for Huskies women’s basketball.
UConn and IMG’s new agreement with iHeartMedia begins with the 2018-19 athletics season.
By: Akiem Bailum (@AkiemBailum on Twitter, Instagram)
