Detroit Pistons Looking Ahead to Next Radio Deal
By Zac Snyder
Dec 15, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) and Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) during the opening tip off at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Could the Detroit Pistons have a new radio home next season? It is possible.
The Pistons current radio deal is nearing its end and Crain’s Detroit Business reporter Bill Shea says the team is set to seek bids for the next deal.
Source: Detroit Pistons will issue RFP this month for radio rights contract. In final year now of 5-year deal w/CBS Radio's WXYT-FM 97.1
— Bill Shea (@Bill_Shea19) December 16, 2013
While WXYT currently holds the radio rights for both the Pistons and the Red Wings it is apparent the Pistons deal means more to the station. When Pistons and Red Wings games conflict, the Pistons almost always stay on the FM powerhouse while the Red Wings game can be heard on AM1270.
The most likely challenger is Detroit’s new FM station, 105.1. Acquiring the radio rights to one of Detroit’s four major sports teams – which are all currently held by 97.1 – would be the strongest sign yet that 105.1 is ready to compete.