The Buffalo Sabres have extended their broadcast deal with Audacy. WGR remains the team’s official flagship station.
What We Know: WGR has served as the Sabres’ flagship station for many years, and that relationship continues under the new agreement. Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray will keep calling games on WGR, the Sabres App, and the Audacy App. Additionally, the sides are launching the Sabres Radio Network to expand broadcast coverage. Specific stations haven’t been named yet. WGR also simulcasts on Sirius XM, giving out-of-market fans another way to listen.
What They Said: WGR brand manager Allan Davis: “We’re excited to continue our long-standing relationship as the official voice of the Buffalo Sabres. No radio station in the U.S. talks more hockey than Western New York’s Voice of the Fans – WGR. And no fan base anywhere loves their team more than Sabres fans do. We look forward to bringing them every play, every game, and every story every day.”
Pete Guelli, Buffalo Sabres president of business operations: “WGR has long played a role in linking the people in our community to the Buffalo Sabres and we are excited to extend a partnership that has continued to grow stronger over the years. We are always exploring avenues for our fans to engage with us in meaningful ways and this partnership has consistently provided a trusted platform for them to stay connected.”
What Remains Unclear: Audacy hasn’t released the full list of stations and markets joining the Sabres Radio Network. Financial terms were also not disclosed.
What It Means: Ultimately, the deal deepens an already established bond between WGR and the Sabres. Consequently, fans gain more access points, from MSG and YouTube to Spotify and DAZN. Sabres Live also shifts formats, airing live at midday and later at 8 p.m. on non-game nights. The extension was crucial for WGR who lost the rights to the Buffalo Bills earlier this year. While the station continues to perform and serve Buffalo area sports fans, it would have been a great challenge to navigate the same level of success without both area franchises.
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