Wolves, Wild Flip The Dial

Image via WikipediaThe landscape of Twin Cities radio sports has changed again.  This time it's Minnesota's two winter pro sports teams exchanging signals.

The NBA Timberwolves, whose games have been broadcast on KFAN (and its predecessor at 1130 AM, WDGY) since the franchise began in 1989--with a brief sojourn at Bob 106 FM, have switched to WCCO-AM beginning next season.

The NHL Wild, whose games have been broadcast on WCCO since the franchise began in 2000, will be moving to KFAN next season.

The Wolves, despite their record and reputation, may have gotten the better of the deal by moving to WCCO because of their 50,000-watt clear channel facility.  Better promotion, too, with no conflicts from other teams.

Speaking of Clear Channel, hockey fans will certainly follow the Wild to KFAN.  But they need an FM signal to make up for the lack of nighttime coverage.  CC could use one of the five FM stations they already own.  Maybe KTLK or KQQL?

Now that the smoke seems to have cleared, here's who broadcasts what:

KFAN (1130)  Wild, Vikings and Gopher football

KSTP (1500)  Twins, Gopher hockey and basketball (men's and women's)

WCCO (830)  Timberwolves

Only the Vikings haven't changed stations in the past decade, and they could be next.  If they're still here, that is.

Obviously, with all the problems radio is facing, somebody still thinks broadcast rights to pro and college sports are a wise investment.