The University of Wisconsin (UW) Athletics has announced a significant expansion of its radio broadcast partnerships, ensuring Badger fans across Wisconsin and beyond won’t miss a moment of the action. In a strategic move to enhance fan engagement and content delivery, UW Athletics and Badger Sports Properties, its multimedia rights holder, have awarded official radio broadcast partnerships to both iHeartMedia Wisconsin and Good Karma Brands (GKB). This exciting development means more comprehensive coverage for fans, including those tuning into 920 Am Radio Milwaukee, a key station in the iHeartMedia network.
For loyal listeners of 920 AM radio Milwaukee, also known as BIG 920 WOKY AM, this renewal and expansion means continued access to the heart-pounding excitement of Wisconsin Badgers football, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s hockey. iHeartMedia Wisconsin, a long-standing partner of UW Athletics since 1994, has secured a five-year extension to its existing agreement. This ensures that flagship programs will remain on familiar frequencies, including 920 AM radio Milwaukee, and 97.3 The Game WRNW FM in Milwaukee, alongside 1070 The Game WTSO AM, Newstalk 1310 WIBA AM, and 101.5 WIBA FM in Madison.
Kevin LeGrett, President of iHeartSports, emphasized the company’s enthusiasm for the renewed partnership. “We are thrilled to announce the exciting renewal of the University of Wisconsin’s athletic program across iHeart’s radio and digital assets. As we continue to champion sports excellence, we look forward to bringing Badgers fans closer to the action, celebrating their victories, and sharing inspiring stories of resilience and determination. Go Badgers!” This commitment underscores iHeartMedia’s dedication to delivering top-tier sports content to Badger Nation, particularly through stations like 920 AM radio Milwaukee.
The extended partnership with iHeartMedia Wisconsin will also introduce fresh content opportunities through “The Game Network,” promising even deeper dives into Badger sports. Furthermore, fans can expect expanded coverage across iHeartMedia’s extensive digital platforms, including the iHeartRadio App, and local digital and social media channels. A notable addition is the creation of a new women’s sports-centric show called “Badger Women’s Sports Hour,” highlighting the growing prominence of women’s athletics at UW. Badger fans tuning into 920 AM radio Milwaukee and other iHeartMedia stations can anticipate richer, more diverse content than ever before.
Broadcasting favorites Matt Lepay and Mark Tauscher will continue to bring the energy of Badger football to listeners, while Matt Lepay and Brian Butch will team up again to call UW Men’s basketball games. Their familiar voices and expert commentary will be accessible to fans tuning in on 920 AM radio Milwaukee and other network stations, ensuring a seamless listening experience.
Jeff Tyler, President of iHeartMedia Wisconsin, expressed the local team’s long-standing pride in the partnership. “Our iHeart Madison and Milwaukee have many years of Badger Pride in our work and we are thrilled to continue to provide exciting live game day coverage, compelling online content, podcasts and more to fans across the markets, the state and beyond, On Wisconsin!” This statement reaffirms iHeartMedia Wisconsin’s commitment to serving Badger fans locally, including those who rely on 920 AM radio Milwaukee for their sports updates.
In a parallel announcement, Good Karma Brands (GKB) joins the UW Athletics broadcast family as a new partner. GKB will become the new radio home for the consistently high-performing UW women’s volleyball team. Volleyball broadcasts will be available on Newsradio 620 WTMJ in Milwaukee and 100.5 ESPN in Madison, expanding the reach of Badger women’s sports even further.
Craig Karmazin, founder and CEO of Good Karma Brands, highlighted the significance of this new venture. “We are proud and excited to introduce broader coverage of Badger Volleyball, and to create avenues for audience expansion and other opportunities for a team that is proven to be best in class both on and off the court.” While 920 AM radio Milwaukee will continue to focus on the core men’s sports and select women’s sports content via iHeartMedia, GKB’s partnership ensures dedicated coverage for women’s volleyball, a sport where the Badgers consistently excel.
GKB’s activation plans extend beyond broadcasts, with select matches in Madison and Milwaukee set to feature special events, including a “Lead Her Forward” National Girls & Women in Sports Day celebration on 100.5 ESPN Madison. Greg Scalzo, market manager for GKB Milwaukee, which includes 620 WTMJ, ESPN Wisconsin and 101.7 The Truth, shared his team’s enthusiasm. “We are excited to partner with UW-Madison and Badger Sports Properties to provide fans with an engaging content experience for UW women’s volleyball. Our team is excited to capture all of the enthusiasm surrounding the team and its athletes and activate in the communities that Wisconsin Volleyball impacts the most.”
Both iHeartMedia and GKB have demonstrated a commitment to UW student-athletes beyond broadcasting, pledging collaboration on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and paid internships. This forward-thinking approach recognizes the evolving landscape of college athletics and the importance of supporting student-athletes in all facets of their experience.
Deputy Athletic Director Mitchell Pinta emphasized the overall benefits of these partnerships. “We are really excited to continue our strong partnership with iHeartMedia and connect with another great team in Good Karma Brands. We have an incredibly passionate fanbase and it was a priority to ensure we can continue delivering our great events to them with high quality broadcasts. We are also thrilled about the new unique opportunities these partnerships will provide to our student-athletes.” For Badger fans, whether listening on 920 AM radio Milwaukee, WTMJ, or any of the other stations in the expanded network, the future of UW Athletics broadcasts looks brighter and more comprehensive than ever.
These radio broadcast rights are managed by Badger Sports Properties, the local Learfield team, a media and technology company deeply embedded in college sports. This collaboration ensures a robust and well-managed broadcast experience for fans and valuable opportunities for UW Athletics and its student-athletes.
