Yankees Extend Deal With WCBS-AM Through '12; Sterling, Waldman Expected Back

The Yankees have extended their broadcast deal with WCBS-AM through the '12 season. The team has an option for '13, though the two sides intend to continue talking about a longer partnership. Announcers John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman are expected to return (Yankees). WCBS has been the team's radio home "for the past 10 seasons." In N.Y., Bob Raissman cited sources as saying that ESPN Radio 1050 N.Y. "was in the running for the Yankees radio package, but Yankees brass had issues with 1050's weak signal" (NYDAILYNEWS.com, 10/28). In Newark, Marc Carig noted terms of the deal were not disclosed. Sterling and Waldman "have been the Yankees' radio team since the 2005 season," when Waldman began as the color commentator. Sterling has been with the team since '89 (NJ.com, 10/28). Although Sterling and Waldman "technically work for the station, the Yankees have the right to approve or disapprove those who call their games" (NEWSDAY, 10/29). Meanwhile, in N.Y., Phil Mushnick noted the Yankees' radio deal following the extension "would then lapse next October," the same time a source indicated that the Mets' deal with WFAN-AM "can be renegotiated." The Yankees could "put their rights up for bids and could sell to ESPN Radio or WFAN, leaving the Mets to find a new radio home" (N.Y. POST, 10/29).