OKC NBA Franchise Lands Radio Deal With Citadel Broadcasting

OKC Team Inks Radio Deal With Citadel Broadcasting

Oklahoma City's NBA franchise and Citadel Broadcasting have reached an exclusive agreement to broadcast all the team's games on WWLS-AM and WWLS-FM, which will serve as the flagship stations of a statewide network. WWLS' coverage will include all pre- and postseason games, and the station will provide pre- and postgame coverage at least 90 minutes before and after each game. The game announcers and studio hosts will be named in the coming weeks (NBA OKC). In Oklahoma City, Darnell Mayberry notes the team is "believed to have sought the entire block of commercial space during the broadcasts, a compromise several local stations find a hard time making because of the loss of advertising revenue." Team Owner Clay Bennett said a decision concerning on-air talent has not been made. Matt Pinto did play-by-play and color commentary during Sonics radio broadcasts last season, but Bennett said that "may be re-evaluated, which could include the addition of a color commentator" (DAILY OKLAHOMAN, 7/31).

WAIT IN LINE: Bennett yesterday said that it "could be another month before the franchise begins selling tickets." Nearly 18,000 people have signed a list for tickets, but Bennett said that there are "several complications" about giving former Hornets ticket holders first priority. Bennett: "We don't have access to that information." He did note that the team will "make announcements on a television partner and corporate sponsorships 'soon and consistently through the opening of the season.'" Bennett also declined to comment on reports that the team's nickname will be Thunder (DAILY OKLAHOMAN, 7/31).