Posted on 04/21/2006 1:21:27 AM PDT by raccoonradio
The Boston Red Sox are within days of announcing a blockbuster multimillion-dollar radio-rights deal that could dramatically reshuffle the team’s broadcast lineup, executives close to the deal said.
The Sox are in ninth-inning negotiations with media companies vying for the deal, with Greater Media’s WBOS-FM (92.9) having an edge, executives said.
An agreement could be announced early next week, if not sooner, executives said.
The price could hit $14 million per year. Sources say both Greater Media and Entercom, whose WEEI-AM (850) is the incumbent, have offered that much. But Entercom is said to be offering cash, while Greater Media would provide both cash and a substantial equity stake in WBOS.
Should the Sox go with WBOS, it would be a blow to WEEI - the local sports radio heavyweight that has built up a lucrative local franchise through its broadcast of the Sox games.
Entercom was said to be making a last-minute push yesterday. Other players may still be circling on the periphery.
“We are in the very late innings and hope to have a final agreement in place soon,” said Michael Dee, the Sox business chief. “It is fair to say there is a great deal of dialogue with all the interested parties.”
While Dee did not tip his hand, he offered a comment that could pose problems for AM-based WEEI, which is battling an FM station with better reception. “There are other considerations than just financial (issues),” Dee said, citing “sound quality” and “coverage.”
A WBOS deal could give the Sox a greater say in the sports programming of its radio partner.
Questions remain about what would happen to WBOS’ format if it takes on the Sox.
One theory has the station continuing its music format, similar to WBCN, which carries Pats games. In another, which could pose problems for WEEI, the station would convert to an all-sports format.
...and hey, many mp3 players, like the one I just bought,
are FM only (the ones that do have radios). Seen on bostonsportsmedia.com board: according to a rumor in the Red Sox press box, a deal with WBOS could be announced tomorrow.
But again, just a rumor.
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