Dan Snyder to Sell The Team 980

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May 21, 2018

by Steve Thomas

The Washington Redskins announced today, in conjunction with Red Zebra Broadcasting, that the Redskins’ radio flagship, The Team 980, will be sold to Urban One.  Red Zebra Broadcasting is owned by Redskins owner Daniel Snyder.  The sale requires the approval of the Federal Communications Commission prior to closing.

The acquisition was described as a “first step in a collaborative effort between the Redskins and Urban One” to keep The Team 980 as the Redskins’ flagship station.

“We believe the future of The Team 980 is in great hands with Urban One,” said Terry Bateman, Chairman of Red Zebra Broadcasting. “We view this as an opportunity for Urban One and the Redskins to build a close partnership to continue to provide the Redskins’ fans with unparalleled access and content, keeping The Team 980 as the fans’ destination for the best Redskins coverage.”

The President and CEO of Urban One, Alfred C. Liggins, also commented, stating that “[t]his is a tremendous opportunity for Urban One and we are especially pleased that through our acquisition, The Team 980 will continue to be locally owned. The acquisition of The Team 980 is very much in line with our strategy of super-serving our community of listeners. We have deep roots in the greater Washington, DC area and are well aware that The Team 980 has always been a fan favorite.”  Liggins further provided that “Red Zebra has a track record of producing great programming that engages our hometown sports fans. We look forward to working with the Washington Redskins organization to continue this tradition.”

While no further details have been announced, it appears as those the Redskins’ gameday broadcasts will remain on The Team 980 for the 2018 season, as well as on the other stations in the Redskins Radio Network.  It is not clear whether Urban One intends on making substantive changes to The Team’s local weekday lineup.

Urban One is described as the largest diversified media company that primarily targets Black Americans and urban consumers in the United States, with assets that include 56 radio stations in 15 urban markets and includes nationally syndicated shows such as the Tom Joyner Morning Show.  Urban One also owns television and online assets that cater to the urban market.

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