Cumulus Media Expands NCAA Audio Coverage with 2026 Final Four Broadcasts
Event summary
- Cumulus Media's Westwood One will broadcast the 2026 NCAA Men's and Women's Final Four and National Championship games across 500+ radio stations, SiriusXM, and multiple digital platforms.
- Coverage includes Spanish-language broadcasts for the men's games, presented by Werner Ladder, and English-language broadcasts for the women's games, presented by Intuit TurboTax.
- The broadcasts will feature all-star teams, including Kevin Kugler, Robbie Hummel, and P.J. Carlesimo for the men's games in English, and Ryan Radtke, Debbie Antonelli, and Ros Gold-Onwude for the women's games.
- Westwood One has been the exclusive national audio broadcast partner of the NCAA since 1982 for the men's tournament and since 1998 for the women's tournament.
The big picture
Cumulus Media's comprehensive audio coverage of the 2026 NCAA Final Four and National Championship games underscores its long-standing partnership with the NCAA and its commitment to multi-platform sports broadcasting. This expansion into digital and streaming platforms reflects broader industry trends towards diversified content delivery, aiming to capture a wider audience and enhance engagement. The inclusion of Spanish-language broadcasts and high-profile analysts further solidifies Westwood One's role as a key player in sports media.
What we're watching
- Audience Engagement
- How the multi-platform strategy will impact listener engagement and reach for Cumulus Media.
- Revenue Streams
- Whether the expanded coverage will drive additional advertising and sponsorship revenue.
- Competitive Positioning
- The pace at which Cumulus Media can leverage this exclusive content to strengthen its position in the sports audio market.
