Cumulus Media Expands NCAA Basketball Audio Coverage Across 10+ Platforms
Event summary
- Cumulus Media’s Westwood One will broadcast all 67 games of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament across 500+ radio stations, streaming platforms, and smart devices.
- Coverage includes Spanish-language broadcasts of the Final Four and National Championship, sponsored by Werner Ladder.
- The broadcast team features Kevin Kugler, Robbie Hummel, and P.J. Carlesimo for the Final Four and National Championship in English.
- Games will be available on NCAA.com/MarchMadness, WestwoodOneSports.com, and multiple apps, including Alexa-enabled devices.
- Coverage begins March 17 with the First Four and concludes April 6 with the National Championship.
The big picture
Cumulus Media’s comprehensive audio coverage of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament underscores its strategic focus on multiplatform distribution and audience expansion. By integrating terrestrial radio, streaming services, and smart devices, the company aims to maximize reach and engagement in a competitive sports media landscape. The inclusion of Spanish-language broadcasts and high-profile sponsorships further highlights Cumulus Media’s efforts to diversify its content offerings and revenue streams.
What we're watching
- Audience Engagement
- How Cumulus Media will leverage multiplatform distribution to sustain listener growth and engagement during the tournament.
- Revenue Diversification
- Whether the expansion of Spanish-language coverage and sponsorship deals will drive additional revenue streams.
- Competitive Positioning
- The pace at which Cumulus Media can differentiate its audio offerings from competitors in the sports broadcasting space.
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