Entercom Sports 93.7 WEEI-FM Lawrence/Boston has extended its deal to remain the flagship station for Boston Red Sox baseball through the 2023 season.
WEEI has held the rights to the Red Sox since 1995 with the games airing on 850 WEEI until the primary local Sports format moved to 93.7. From 2007 through 2009 most games aired on sister Talk 680 WRKO with WEEI carrying the rest.
While no terms were disclosed, The Boston Globe reported earlier this month that the two sides were discussing a deal between $15 million-$17 million per year. That would be a reduction from the $20 million per year Entercom had been paying on the 10 year deal that expires at the end of this season. That deal was signed amidst reports that the Red Sox were looking to move to Greater Media’s 92.9 WBOS and take an ownership stake in the station.
Delighted to announce the extension of @WEEI's @RedSox broadcasts through 2023. A true privilege to be partnered w/ this world class team.
— David Field (@DavidJFieldAUD) April 28, 2016
Today, Entercom announced that the long-standing broadcast partnership between WEEI and the Boston Red Sox will continue through the 2023 Major League Baseball season. The announcement extends a play-by-play relationship with one of the most fervently loyal fan bases in pro sports. Red Sox broadcasts have been heard on WEEI since 1995.
Entercom CEO, David Field, praised the new deal as a win for both organizations and Red Sox fans everywhere. “WEEI and Entercom are delighted to be extending our outstanding relationship with the Boston Red Sox well into the future. It is a true privilege to be partnered with this extraordinary, iconic organization and their world-class team of professionals, both on and off the field,” Field commented. Field went on to say, “Red Sox fans across the country will continue to hear outstanding Sox play-by-play broadcasts and 24/7 team coverage on WEEI and WEEI.com, the home of Red Sox baseball.”
“We are pleased to extend our partnership with WEEI for another seven seasons,” said Red Sox President, Sam Kennedy. “For more than a decade, the broadcast has been part of our most historic moments with the voice of Joe Castiglione echoing the triumph that we all felt during three championship seasons. We look forward to this new phase of our partnership and sharing more winning baseball through the airwaves with our fans across New England.”
The WEEI Shaw’s Red Sox Radio Network is presently heard throughout New England on 55 AM and FM radio affiliates. Red Sox Hall of Fame announcer, Joe Castiglione, is celebrating his 33rd year in the booth and is the lead voice on broadcasts. He is joined this season by New England native and former Pittsburgh Pirates voice, Tim Neverett.