The Nashville Predators are staying put on radio. The team has signed a new multi-year deal with ESPN 102.5 The Game. The Cromwell station has been the team’s flagship since 2011.
“For over ten years the Predators have been the ‘best’ to work with,” Cromwell Media President Bud Walters said in a press release. “They’ve brought such excitement to Nashville, and we look forward to continuing our partnership together. We are very proud to be the flagship home of the Nashville Predators Network.”
The relationship has clearly been a success for both parties involved. On Robbie & Rexrode earlier this week, Walters was joined by Predators President Sean Henry, who explained that the new deal is virtually a lifetime contract.
“There is no end to this deal. That is what I like the best,” he said.
The two sides had a formal agreement ten years ago, which has since been renewed multiple times simply with a handshake.
“This deal is going to go on forever. I mean, you hate using the word perpetuity too often, but I think it is an evergreen clause too. So we are starting a new window of a deal, but then it just goes on and on and on.”
Not much will change on the air. Pete Weber will remain the voice of the Pred. He has held the role since the team was founded. Hal Gill, a former defenseman for the Predators, will remain as the analyst. He is in his fifth season on the broadcast crew.
Darren McFarland remains the studio host, but his broadcast location will change this season. The pre and postgame shows will originate from what used to be the Patron Platinum Club inside of Bridgestone Arena. Fans are encouraged to attend those broadcasts.
“We are proud of being ESPN’s No. 1 franchise in all of sports. Working alongside Nashville’s best sports talk radio station we feel we can continue to grow our dedicated Smashville fan base,” said Chris Junghans, Nashville Predators Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. “As we work to ‘Paint the Town Preds’ in 2021-22 and beyond, we are thrilled to have Cromwell Media and its entire family of radio stations at our side.”
The Game will continue to put a focus on the team during its weekday programming as well. General Manager David Poile, Head Coach John Hynes, plus various players, team broadcasters and national NHL experts will continue to make regular appearances on all of the station’s weekday primetime shows.
“Our partnership with the Predators over the last decade has been nothing short of remarkable and this extension gives life to another incredible run,” Dennis Gwiazdon, VP/Market Manager of Cromwell Nashville, added. “We couldn’t be more pleased to be carrying their games and supporting all of the wonderful things they do to support their fans, their sponsors and the city of Nashville.”
