Minnesota Timberwolves games will no longer be heard on WCCO-AM, ending a 12-year partnership between the NBA franchise and the Twin Cities radio station.
The Star Tribune first reported the news and Bring Me The Sports has since learned that an internal email sent to employees says WCCO management “offered more than what we delivered from our previous contract” and that the Timberwolves are planning a “1-year trial” featuring a “super non-traditional” way to broadcast games.
Bring Me The Sports reached out to the Timberwolves for comment but did not get a response. A team spokesperson, however, told the Star Tribune that “we are looking forward to announcing a new radio broadcast partnership in the weeks to come.”
It’s unclear if the changes will impact the 29 stations in Minnesota and the Dakotas that are part of the Timberwolves Radio Network.
Timberwolves games will still be televised locally on Bally Sports North.
Before partnering with WCCO in 2011 the Timberwolves radio home was KFAN for three seasons starting in 2008-09 and for 15 seasons from 1991-92 to 2005-06. BOB FM carried the games in 2006-07 and 2007-08. The original radio home of the Timberwolves was WDGY in 1989-90 and 1990-91.
The Timberwolves open the 2023-24 regular season Oct. 25 in Toronto against the Raptors and then come back to Minneapolis for the home opener Oct. 28 against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat.
The preseason begins Oct. 5 against Dallas.
