Wisconsin's sports radio landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, and fans are feeling the tremors. The sudden flip of Milwaukee's '97.3 The Game' to an adult contemporary format has sent shockwaves across the state, leaving listeners scrambling to find their favorite shows. But here's where it gets interesting: this isn't just a local change—it's a statewide reshuffling of sports talk programming that's sparking both excitement and controversy.
With the demise of '97.3 The Game,' loyal listeners can still catch their favorite personalities on '1070 The Game' in Madison and online at 973TheGame.com. Additionally, some shows will air on '98.7 The Fan' in Eau Claire, which also broadcasts select programs from Minneapolis' '100.3 KFAN.' The new lineup features familiar voices like Bill Schmid and Armen Saryan in the morning, Doug Russell and Nick Bruesewitz mid-day, and Drew Olson with Kevin ‘KB’ Brandt in the afternoon.
But this is the part most people miss: the ripple effects of this change extend far beyond Milwaukee. Northpine reports that Midwest Communications has dropped 'The Game' programming in Green Bay, Wausau, and Duluth, MN, replacing it with Audacy’s new 'Wisconsin Sports Radio Network.' This bold move has divided fans, with some praising the fresh content and others lamenting the loss of their go-to sports talk.
Midwest Communications’ newly expanded stations—1440 WNFL/101.9 W270AJ in Green Bay, 99.7 WDKF in Sturgeon Bay, '93.9 The Game' in the Wausau market, and '710 The Game' in Superior/Duluth—will now feature Audacy’s lineup from '105.7 The Fan' in Milwaukee. This includes shows like 'Inside Wisconsin Sports' with Trevor Thomas and Josh Albrecht, 'Nine2Noon with Kuhn' starring John Kuhn and Ramie Makhlouf, Mason Crosby and Mitch ‘Thunder’ Nelles, and 'Wisconsin Sports Daily' with Steve ‘Sparky’ Fifer.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Is this shift a much-needed refresh for Wisconsin’s sports radio scene, or a betrayal of loyal listeners who cherished the old lineup? And what does this mean for the future of local sports talk in smaller markets? Let’s spark a debate—do you think this change will elevate Wisconsin’s sports radio or leave fans tuning out? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
