The Idaho Vandals are expanding their reach with a new deal between Learfield’s Idaho Sports Properties and Summit Broadcasting Group’s News Radio KBNW in Spokane. The two-season deal sees KBNW carry Idaho Vandals football and men’s basketball.
KBNW will follow both sports’ regular and post-season contests, while adding the weekly coaches’ shows to the programming mix, helmed by football coach Thomas Ford and basketball coach Alex Pribble. Inland Northwest Sports Hall of Famer Dennis Patchin will return as the voice of the Vandals, receiving an in-booth assist from former Vandal tight end Trent Cowan, who will serve as a game analyst.
The Vandals’ season kicks off on Friday, August 28.
KBNW Market Manager Roger Nelson said, “We are excited to partner with Idaho Vandals Sports Properties to bring Idaho football and basketball game broadcasts to the Spokane/Coeur d’ Alene market. The Vandals have a rich history in football and men’s basketball and have long been a leader in the Big Sky Conference. Approximately sixteen percent of the University of Idaho’s alumni base reside in the Spokane/Coeur d’ Alene metro, and we look forward to developing a strong partnership with the Vandals and their fans.”
University of Idaho Director of Athletics Terry Gawlik added, “We are so excited to expand our radio footprint with Horizon Broadcasting Group in Spokane. They will be airing our Football and Men’s Basketball games, and our weekly coaches’ shows. It is a nice addition to our current group of affiliates across Idaho. As with the radio world, this broadens our listening audience in areas we have not been able to reach.”
