The Sacramento Kings have announced a major shift in their radio broadcast strategy, taking production and distribution fully in-house. Starting October 5, fans can listen to games for free on Kings.com, the Kings app, and SiriusXM, ending the team's longtime partnership with Sactown Sports 1140 KHTK-AM.
Fans will no longer find Kings games on KHTK-AM. Instead, the new 'Kings Radio' platform will be available across an expanded lineup of audio services. The primary channels are the team's official website and mobile app, alongside SiriusXM. This change gives the organization direct control over the broadcast experience and distribution. The rollout begins with the first preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center on October 5.
Kings Radio will complement the team's existing free streaming service, Kings+. Team president of business operations John Rinehart stated the move is an investment in fans. "Kings Radio gives us greater ability to innovate, expand access and bring Kings basketball to a larger audience," Rinehart said. The aim is to make team content more accessible as how fans consume sports continues to change.
The familiar voices of the English-language broadcast will remain. Play-by-play legend Gary 'G-Man' Gerould, analyst Henry 'The High Flyer' Turner, and Jason Ross will continue to call the action. A significant new addition is a dedicated Spanish-language broadcast featuring Armando Botello. This expands the Kings' reach within their community and follows a league-wide trend toward more inclusive coverage.
Keeping the core broadcast team provides continuity for loyal listeners. Gerould has been the voice of the Kings for decades, and his presence ensures the new platform retains its traditional feel.
The decision stems from the conclusion of the partnership with KHTK. The two sides could not reach a new agreement, prompting the Kings to bring operations internally. By managing their own broadcasts, the Kings gain flexibility to experiment with audio formats and integrations. It also allows them to directly own the relationship with their audience across digital platforms.
This strategic pivot aligns with the team's efforts to control more of its media distribution. In an era where direct-to-consumer content is key, owning the broadcast pipeline is a smart business play. The timing, just before the preseason, allows for a clean break and a fresh start for the audio presentation of Kings basketball.
For fans, it means more ways to tune in for free. The barrier to listening is lower, requiring only an internet connection or a SiriusXM subscription. The addition of a Spanish broadcast is a welcome step for a significant part of the fanbase. It shows the organization's commitment to serving all its supporters.
For the franchise, it's about future-proofing their media approach. Controlling the broadcast allows for potential innovations like enhanced audio feeds, integrated stats, and exclusive commentary segments. As the team handles the NBA landscape, having a direct audio channel to fans is a valuable asset.
