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The University of Washington today announced a new contract to have all of their football games broadcast on KOMO Newsradio AM 1000 and FM 97.7. The new deal is effective immediately and will extend through the 2020 season. Financial terms were not announced.
For UW fans in the Seattle area, the notion of UW Football on KOMO is familar. Before KJR had become the flagship station for all things UW (a position that they've held since 2002), KOMO had those privileges for most seasons dating back to the mid-seventies. Many in my generation grew up on UW football broadcast on the radio given that television broadcasting of games was not quite as ubiquitous as it is today (there is an understatement of epic proportions). Even on those occasions that Husky games were on TV, it was common practice for fans to "turn down the sound" so that they could listen to the KOMO broadcast while watching the images on TV.
It isn't clear if UW had issues with KJR or if this was simply a "highest bidder" scenario. Clearly, this is a blow for KJR who continues to get challenged in the Seattle sports media market by KIRO's 710 ESPN station, Sirius XM and other Internet-based properties.
The full press release follows. Check in on our fan poll and register your opinion on this latest move.
Washington IMG Sports Marketing Inks Deal With KOMO NewsradioKOMO to serve as Huskies’ broadcast partner through 2020Beginning with the 2014 season, KOMO Newsradio and The University of Washington Huskies reunite to bring fans around the Northwest the excitement of Husky Football and Basketball. From the first football game in Hawaii August 30 through the 2020 season, Husky fans can hear every play, every game – home and away - on KOMO Newsradio 1000 AM and 97.7 FM.
“We are excited about this new partnership with the KOMO News Network and the exposure it will provide the University of Washington through radio, television and digital,” Andre Riley, General Manager of Washington IMG Sports Marketing said. “KOMO’s multi-platform distribution will help more Husky fans hear game broadcasts through AM and FM simulcast signals, and will also allow for more UW coverage in the community throughout the year. I would also like to thank KJR for their many years of partnership.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome the Huskies back home to KOMO Newsradio,” says Janene Drafs, Vice President and General Manager of Sinclair Radio Seattle. “As a UW alum, I am proud and honored to once again be partnering with this outstanding athletic and academic institution.”
KOMO and the University of Washington, both Northwest traditions, continue a broadcast partnership that spans 21 of the past 36 seasons. The longtime “Home of the Huskies” will once again be the flagship station for the Husky/IMG Sports Network. The move also marks a KOMO homecoming for the veteran voice of the Dawgs, Bob Rondeau, who will continue to team with Damon Huard.
It’s a new era for Husky Athletics with a new football coach, a new stadium and a return to KOMO Newsradio 1000 AM and 97.7 FM.
KOMO Newsradio is the Pacific Northwest’s only all-news radio station. Commuters rely on KOMO for traffic reports every 10 minutes on the 4’s, including before and after all Husky games.