WDEL inks new Phillies broadcast contract

November 22, 2023 3

The postseason run of the Philadelphia Phillies, led by star Bryce Harper, makes the radio deal more valuable to WDEL. | PHOTO COURTESY OF IAN D’ANDREA/FLICKR

WILMINGTON – WDEL, the longtime home for major sports broadcasting in Delaware, signed a four-year deal to continue holding the broadcast rights for the Philadelphia Phillies, the station announced Monday.

The Forever Media-owned radio station that broadcasts on 101.7 FM and 1150 AM has aired live Phillies games for more than 50 years, and it will now air them through the 2027 season. The terms of the deal were not disclosed in the announcement.

While WIP 94.1 FM continues to be the flagship Philadelphia-based radio partner for the Phillies, the WDEL deal extends the team’s reach into the First State. Lewes-based WGMD 92.7 FM still has broadcast rights to weekend Phillies games.

“The Phillies are very excited and proud to continue the relationship with WDEL, which has helped bring Phillies baseball to many generations of fans,” said Rob Brooks, Phillies manager of broadcasting, in a statement announcing the deal.

Live sports continue to be one of the most consistent listenership draws for radio, and contracts for major sports teams are sought after.

The extension also comes at a time when interest in the Phillies is at a high, following a 2022 World Series run and a National League Championship berth this year. The team is widely considered a contender to once again make a deep playoff run next year on the backs of superstars like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Zack Wheeler and the recently resigned Aaron Nola.

“WDEL’s history of broadcasting Phillies games goes back more than 50 years,” WDEL Director of News & Programming Chris Carl said in a statement. “In fact, our ties to baseball go all the way back to broadcasting Philadelphia A’s games.”

“We couldn’t be happier that we’ve renewed our deal with the Phillies,” Carl said, “and we can’t wait to see what Bryce, Trea, Bryson [Stott] and J.T. [Realmuto] are going to do the seasons to come.”

Aside from the Phillies, WDEL also airs Philadelphia Eagles games and numerous Delaware high school games, including the upcoming football state championship games and the boy’s and girl’s state title games.

It also broadcasts the NFL Monday, Thursday and Sunday night games, and will air the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl.