Chicago Radio: NHL Blackhawks, WGN Extend Broadcast Deal

The Chicago Blackhawks and WGN 720 AM announced Thursday that they have agreed on a five-year broadcast rightsholder extension.

The agreement will keep Blackhawks hockey on the 50,000-watt radio powerhouse through the 2023-24 National Hockey League season. WGN Radio has been the flagship station for the Blackhawks since the start of the 2008-09 campaign, a partnership that united two historic Chicago institutions.

“The Chicago Blackhawks take great pride in the strong relationship we have developed with WGN Radio over the last eight years,” said Blackhawks President & CEO John McDonough. Today’s announcement is yet another example of the special partnership that our players, coaches, executives and front office have with the entire staff at WGN Radio. We’ve had the great fortune of sharing many historic moments together and look forward to continuing to call WGN Radio the home of Chicago Blackhawks hockey.”

“Many, myself included, believe that WGN Radio and the Chicago Blackhawks have the best partnership in sports. This renewal is testament to that,” said President & General Manager Jimmy de Castro. “It’s an honor to formally extend this relationship and we look forward to celebrating many more Blackhawks wins with our WGN Radio listeners.”

“We’re excited WGN Radio will bring Chicago Blackhawks play-by-play to Chicagoland and fans everywhere for years to come,” said Tribune Media President of Broadcast Media Larry Wert. “Blackhawks hockey fandom continues to grow exponentially and we’re thrilled that WGN Radio and TV can contribute to and be a part of it.”

Hear the @NHLBlackhawks extension announcement interview with John McDonough: https://t.co/cUryMGjnck via @wgnradio

— WGN Radio 720 (@WGNRadio) January 28, 2016

WGN Radio broadcasts can be heard in 38 states and Canada, as well as streamed worldwide on wgnradio.com, TuneIn, iHeartRadio and on the WGN Radio mobile apps. John Wiedeman serves as the Play-By-Play Announcer for Blackhawks hockey on WGN Radio, while Troy Murray is the Color Analyst and Judd Sirott the Studio Host. Head Coach Joel Quenneville, Senior Vice President/General Manager Stan Bowman and several players and front office executives make frequent appearances on the station’s different shows.