With an unprecedented 2019-20 NHL year in the books, the Winnipeg Jets are gearing up for next season, announcing a new radio partnership and extension of their TV rights.
Nearly a quarter-century ago, the Jets departed Winnipeg to become the Atlanta Thrashers, ending a longtime radio partnership with 680 CJOB as their flagship. The franchise returned to its original home city in 2011, but in doing so they struck a deal with TSN 1290, who has since served as their flagship radio station.
Now Corus Entertainment and 680 CJOB will retake the Jets radio rights with an agreement that begins next season and extends through 2026-27. According to the deal, 680 CJOB will air all preseason, regular season and playoff games for the Jets. All broadcasts will also be simulcast by CJOB’s sister FM rock station, Power 97.
“680 CJOB has a long, proven history as a leader in sports broadcasting in Manitoba, and we’re looking forward to sharing the excitement of Winnipeg Jets hockey with more listeners on more platforms to better serve the greatest fans in the NHL,” Jets chairman and governor Mark Chipman said in a statement.
As the Jets return to 680 CJOB on the radio side, the franchise also landed a new TV deal, agreeing to a multiyear extension with TSN as their official broadcaster for all regional regular season games.
“TSN is very proud to be the official regional broadcaster of the Winnipeg Jets, and we’re thrilled to extend this successful partnership for years to come,” said Stewart Johnston, President, Media Sales and Marketing, Bell Media, and President of TSN. “The Jets boast a competitive roster of dynamic young players, and JETS ON TSN games are an integral part of TSN’s hockey coverage, with regular season games broadcast regionally on TSN’s television and digital platforms.”
TSN and TSN 1290 share ownership in Bell Media, previously controlling the Jets TV and radio rights. But next season, Winnipeg’s NHL team will split their media partnerships, seeing their telecasts continue with Bell Media and TSN, but their radio broadcasts return to 680 CJOB.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
