The University of Illinois at Chicago has ended radio and audio streaming broadcasts for every Flames sport. As a result, Jonathan Hood’s 14-year run as the Voice of the Flames is over.
What We Know: Hood shared the news in a post on his personal Substack. He called UIC basketball and baseball for 14 years, most recently alongside Hall of Famer Kenny Williams. His run began as a pregame and halftime host in 2012-13, before he moved to play-by-play in 2015-16. Meanwhile, the decision covers all sports, including men’s and women’s basketball and baseball according to Hood.
What They Said: Jonathan Hood (via Substack): “I feel a sense of relief and am ready to move forward. I’m proud of the work we did as a crew and grateful for the opportunity to spend 14 years telling the stories of UIC student-athletes. UIC has outstanding coaches and people who care deeply about the welfare and development of those student-athletes. Their dedication is worth celebrating. That is part of what makes this decision disappointing.”
Jonathan Hood: “In my view, UIC athletics is choosing to celebrate within the four walls of the institution when it has an opportunity to share its achievements with Chicago, the Missouri Valley Conference, and audiences beyond. There are great stories at UIC: stories of success, growth, perseverance, and advancement. Those stories deserve to reach people on all platforms including radio/audio streaming. These broadcasts gave listeners a connection to the players, the programs, and the university. It meant something to me to help build that connection. UIC basketball, (men and women) and baseball stand as the only school in the Missouri Valley without home and road local radio coverage.”
What Remains Unclear: UIC has not publicly explained the decision. Likewise, it remains unclear whether cost, strategy, or both drove the move. Hood will continue hosting his daily morning show on ESPN Chicago, as well as his other work within the Good Karma Sports umbrella and SiriusXM Radio.
What It Means: According to Hood, UIC now stands alone in the Missouri Valley without home and road local radio coverage. Consequently, fans without ESPN+ subscriptions lose their free option for following the Flames. Ironically, UIC once promoted the Flames Radio Network as exactly that free alternative. For Chicago listeners, the move silences a familiar local college voice.
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