UConn ends long run with WTIC-1080

Radio coverage will move to ESPN’s 97.9-FM as part of a new 10-year deal

UConn sports have found a new radio home.

Coverage of the school's men's and women's basketball, football and men's hockey games will move to 97.9 FM, ESPN's Hartford affiliate, as part of a 10-year, multimillion-dollar deal.

The move was made after IMG, which is UConn athletics' multi-media rights-holder, could not reach a deal to continue broadcasting games on WTIC (1080-AM), which has been the home of UConn sports for 26 years.

“It's our job to represent the university and brand as best as possible,” said Doug Fillis, IMG's associate vice president for the east region. “I can assure you, we did that every step of the way. The brand in New England down to New York is extremely strong. We know the strength of the UConn brand is tremendous. I can tell you the offers that came to us were extremely strong. We've got a lot of people interested and would love to be a part of this program.”

“WTIC has been a great partner for a long period of time,” said UConn athletic director David Benedict. “They've been committed to delivering UConn broadcasts for over 30 years. This was a very difficult decision. At the end of the day, we made the decision to make the change. But WTIC has been a great partner.”

On-air talent has yet to be determined and won't be until after the current basketball seasons are over. Currently, Joe D'Ambrosio and Wayne Norman serve as the voices of UConn men's basketball and football, while Bob Joyce and Deb Fiske handle UConn women's games. Ken Sweitzer also serves as sideline reporter for football.

Benedict sees the potential for greater exposure for the programs as similar to the decision to make UConn women's games televised on SNY.

“I think most people have seen that's been tremendously beneficial to our program,” he said.