Rays Radio announces extension with iHeartRadio

The Tampa Bay Rays and iHeart Media today announced a multi-year extension that will keep game broadcasts on WDAE 620 AM/95.3 FM. The Rays and iHeart Media have partnered for all 18 seasons of Rays baseball. 

"We are very excited about the extension of our partnership with the Rays," said Sam Nein, iHeart Media Market President. "We have been the Radio home for the Rays since game one when Wilson Alvarez threw out the first pitch in the team’s history and we look forward to being with the team and part of many more historic moments in the years ahead!"

"The Rays and iHeart Media have enjoyed a terrific, long standing relationship," said Rays Senior Director of Broadcasting Larry McCabe. "Our Rays Radio flagship station delivers consistent coverage and continuous promotion for our games that Rays fans enjoy. We’re also excited to introduce new FM listening opportunities during the second half of the 2015 season."

Beginning in early August, Rays play-by-play will also be available for fans on Thunder FM for all Friday, Saturday and Sunday games.

In addition, the team released Nielsen Audio ratings for games through mid-June that showed a marked increase compared to the same period for 2014. Ratings have increased 27 percent for adults 18 and older, 21 percent for persons 6 and older and 51 percent among women listeners.

Editor's Note: Full contract details were not immediately available. The Rays assumed control of radio broadcast rights in 2005.