Every Spring Training is filled with old faces and new faces and it’s no different when it comes to teams and their partnerships.
The Philadelphia Phillies extended their radio deal with Entercom, which owns WIP-FM 94.1 FM and broadcasts Phillies games.
Jeff Blumenthal of the Philadelphia Business Journal first reported the extension. Another notable change mentioned in the PBJ exclusive is an increased role for DraftKings.
“DraftKings will be presenting sponsor for the pre-game show and have a two-minute segment dedicated toward sports betting analysis of that night’s game and others around Major League Baseball.”
Phillies radio
The Phillies radio broadcasts have aired on CBS Radio Philadelphia stations since 2004 and have aired on 94WIP for the past five seasons. Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen, and Kevin Fransden will continue to call the games on 94WIP.
The Phillies and CBS Radio signed a three-year broadcast deal at the end of the 2016 season. Entercom purchased CBS Radio in Nov. 2017.
Entercom and sports betting
Since the fall of 2020, Entercom has made big moves to establish its presence in the sports betting industry.
Oct. 2020: Entercom and FanDuel announce a six-year partnership which makes FanDuel the official sportsbook partner across its sports broadcast stations and Radio.com. It’s touted in a press release as a pairing that “brings together America’s #1 Sportsbook with the #1 sports audio company in the United States.”
Said Matthew King, FanDuel’s Chief Executive Officer:
“In the two years we have been doing business with Entercom, it is abundantly clear to us that their authentic connection to sports fans is one of the best ways for us to engage FanDuel customers. We will work together to offer sports fans access to information wherever, whenever, and however they consume content, providing them with the tools to learn and win.”
David Field, President and Chief Executive Officer at Entercom commented:
“We believe this is the largest advertising commitment ever made within the radio industry. We are focused on delivering the best sports betting experience for our audiences in markets where legalized sports betting will be pervasive.”
More Entercom sports betting deals
Nov. 2020: Philadelphia-based Entercom acquired QL Gaming Group, a sports iGaming affiliate platform. It was an all cash deal for approximately $32 million. The acquisition brings data, analytics and insight-driven content to Entercom’s sports broadcast stations, podcasts and Radio.com.
Jan. 2021: Entercom launched the “BetQL Audio Network” which will be home to sports betting programming that can be heard across Entercom’s stations. Network headliners included “You Better You Bet” with Nick Kostos and Ken Barkley and “BetQL Daily” with Joe Ostrowski and Ross Tucker.
Feb. 2021: Entercom announced a content agreement with Locked On Podcast Network, which was recently acquired by TEGNA, Inc. Locked On’s roster of pro and college sports podcasts now airs on Radio.com.
Feb. 2021: Founder and CEO of QL Gaming Group Justin Park pens “Sports Betting and The Future of Audio” at Entercom.com. It reads in part:
“The global COVID-19 pandemic has driven up digital gaming and gambling interest, accelerating ten years of change into a matter of months. Legalized betting will dramatically alter the landscape for fans, entertainment providers, and any brand invested or even interested in sports enthusiasts. Through partnerships with BetQL and mobile betting operators, Entercom is the initial audio-first company to recognize and seize this moment.”
Live! Casino and the Phillies
The Phillies’ new neighbor, Live! Casino Philadelphia will join the list of team sponsors this year.
According to representatives for Live! Casino Philadelphia, the partnership with the Phillies includes:
- Field signage
- Phillies Radio Ads
- Digital and Social Media Inclusion
- Season Tickets
- Suites
- Merchandise
- VIP Hospitality Experiences
- Commemorative Live Rewards Card
During Live! Casino Philadelphia’s soft-launch and grand opening, people signing up for a Live! Rewards Cards were given the option to choose a Philadelphia Phillies Commemorative Card.
Located about two Bryce Harper home runs away, Live! Casino Philadelphia features a state-of-the-art FanDuel Sportsbook with a 52′ media wall display, 24 TVs, betting kiosks and betting windows.
Are fans allowed at Phillies games?
The Phillies open their 2021 season on April 1 at home against the Atlanta Braves.
Will fans be allowed at the Home Opener or at any games at Citizens Bank Park this season?
On Tuesday afternoon, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said:
“I can’t guarantee anything, but I can say that it’s likely that there would be some fans in the stands at the Phillies home opener. How many is going to depend not just on us, but also what the state decides.”
Last week, the Philadelphia Flyers and the Sixers also requested to have limited fans in attendance. The Phillies requested limited capacity, also.
Dr. Farley noted that the requests need approval from the State of Pennsylvania since the city of Philadelphia cannot be less restrictive.
Philadelphia Phillies 2021 odds
The Philadelphia Phillies have not made the playoffs or finished above .500 since 2011. The Phils missed the expanded eight team postseason during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season largely due to a historically awful bullpen.
Pennsylvania online sportsbooks put the Phillies over/under win total for 2021 at 80.5.
Philadelphia Phillies futures markets at DraftKings:
- World Series: +4000
- National League winner: +2000
- NL East: +875
- To make playoffs: Yes (+285)/No (-385)
Lead image credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke
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