On a day when the FCC received filings in its LMS shifting the radio stations owned by Cumulus Media to debtor-in-possession status, the company’s national audio arm successfully secured a multi-year contract renewal with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
The timing comes as the “First Four” men’s tournament match-ups were decided on Tuesday evening in Dayton, ahead of the official start of “March Madness.”
The fresh agreement, for which financial terms were not disclosed, keeps Westwood One as the official network audio broadcast partner of the NCAA “for several years to come.” Westwood One has broadcast the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament since 1982 and every game of NCAA March Madness on multiple platforms since 2005.
The agreement also means Westwood One retains exclusive broadcast radio and digital audio distribution and licensing rights for the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments, NIT, WBIT, and Men’s and Women’s College World Series.
Westwood One President and Executive VP of Corporate Strategy & Development Collin Jones commented, “We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with the NCAA and continue bringing the power, passion, and pageantry of college sports to fans nationwide. This renewed agreement reflects the unmatched reach of Westwood One’s audio network and our shared commitment to elevating the championship experience for athletes, schools, and listeners everywhere. The best moments in college sports are still ahead—and we can’t wait to deliver them.”
NCAA Director of Championships for Digital Nate Flannery added, “Westwood One has been an exceptional partner in bringing NCAA championships to fans across the country. Their long‑standing commitment to comprehensive, high‑quality audio coverage makes it possible for fans to experience the excitement of our championships wherever they are. We’re pleased to extend this relationship and continue providing access to NCAA events for millions of listeners nationwide.”
