Hornets Keep the Airwaves Buzzing with WFNZ

If you’re the type who still tunes into the radio for a basketball fix, good news: the Charlotte Hornets aren’t pulling the plug on the dial. After 18 years of a steady relationship, the team and WFNZ have signed on for another stretch as the Hornets’ flagship radio home.

The announcement came on a Thursday morning, and it feels a lot like a reunion. Both parties talked about a “Fans First” philosophy – a phrase the Hornets have been sprinkling around lately, especially after pairing with WSOC‑TV for television. In plain English, it means they want to make sure every fan, whether they’re in the arena or stuck in traffic, gets a little extra something.

“Giving our fans more ways to experience Hornets basketball and stay connected to our team is central to our Fans First philosophy,” said Shelly Cayette‑Weston, the Hornets’ President of Business Operations. She went on to praise WFNZ’s long‑standing role in bringing the game, the players, and the stories to the Queen City. “Across 17 seasons, WFNZ has helped bring our games, players and stories to fans throughout the Charlotte region…We are thrilled to welcome WFNZ back as our flagship radio station and expand a longstanding partnership that will provide fans with even more access, insight and opportunities to engage with the Hornets.”

What does the renewed deal actually look like on the air? For starters, WFNZ will keep its beloved 60‑minute pre‑game show hosted by Travis Hancock and Kyle Bailey, plus a 30‑minute post‑game wrap‑up with Will Palaszczuk, play‑by‑play voice Sam Farber, and producer Rob Longo. That’s the familiar formula fans have come to expect, but there’s a twist: the partnership is getting bigger.

Radio One’s vice‑president Marsha Landess and Hornets chief of business and revenue Mike Behan spilled a few details in a call with local media. Expect more Hornets‑centric content on sister stations 105.3 WOSF (R&B) and 107.9 WBT (news/talk), more live pre‑ and post‑game shows set up right in the Spectrum Center concourse, and even occasional road‑trip style broadcasts that bring the radio crew into neighborhoods across Charlotte.

“You will see a lot more events in the community,” Landess said, adding that WFNZ will be “broadcasting on the concourse during some of the games.” It’s a joint effort – Radio One and the Hornets – to put a louder voice on the streets, not just the airwaves.

WFNZ’s own branding tagline, “Charlotte’s sports leader,” feels fitting now that they’ll be diving deeper into community outreach. “We care about our community, and it’s wonderful to be with the Hornets who share that same passion,” the station’s representatives noted.

To celebrate the renewal, the team and WFNZ have lined up an entire day of special programming. Flip to 92.7 FM or hop onto the live stream at WFNZ.com and you’ll hear interviews, giveaways, and a few surprise guests – all meant to get the Hornets faithful pumped up for the season ahead.

So, whether you’re commuting, working out, or just kicking back at home, keep an ear out for the familiar buzz of Hornets basketball on WFNZ. The partnership may be old, but it’s getting a fresh coat of paint – and that’s something to buzz about.