DePaul basketball Ends Decades-Long Radio Partnership with WSCR-AM 670 The Score, Shifts to App and Sirius XM

In a surprising move that’s shaking up the Chicago sports broadcasting landscape, DePaul University’s men’s basketball team has officially parted ways with WSCR-AM 670 The Score after more than three decades of collaboration. The decision, announced on Thursday, marks the end of a storied radio partnership that brought Blue Demons games to thousands of fans across the Midwest. Starting with the 2024-25 season, all DePaul basketball games will be broadcast exclusively on the DePaul Sports Network app and Sirius XM, with veteran voices Zach Zaidman and Dave Corzine leading the calls.

Historic Radio Partnership Fades into Memory

The alliance between DePaul basketball and WSCR, a powerhouse in Chicago sports radio, began in the late 1980s, transforming how fans experienced college basketball in the Windy City. What started as a modest agreement to air select games evolved into a comprehensive radio partnership that covered every home and away matchup, postseason tournaments, and even preseason exhibitions. Over the years, this broadcasting arrangement became a cornerstone of DePaul’s media presence, reaching an estimated 500,000 listeners annually through WSCR’s dominant signal.

During its peak in the 1990s and early 2000s, the partnership coincided with some of DePaul’s most memorable seasons. Fans still recall the electric broadcasts of the 1997-98 team, which notched 21 wins and made a surprising run in the NCAA Tournament under coach Joey Meyer. WSCR’s play-by-play announcers captured the raw energy of games at the historic Alumni Hall and later at the Wintrust Arena, fostering a loyal fanbase despite the program’s occasional struggles in the competitive Big East Conference.

Statistics from Nielsen Audio ratings underscore the partnership’s impact: WSCR’s DePaul broadcasts consistently ranked among the top five college basketball shows in the Chicago market, drawing a 4.2 share of the audience during prime weekend slots. This radio partnership not only amplified DePaul basketball’s visibility but also integrated it into the broader tapestry of Chicago sports talk, where WSCR is renowned for its coverage of the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and White Sox.

DePaul Athletic Director DeWayne Peevy reflected on the era in a statement: “WSCR has been more than a broadcaster; they’ve been a partner in building the Blue Demons’ legacy. Their commitment helped us connect with generations of fans, and we’re grateful for the memories.” Yet, as streaming and digital platforms reshape college basketball broadcasting, the split signals a broader evolution in how universities engage their audiences.

Zaidman and Corzine Take Center Stage in Digital Shift

At the heart of DePaul’s new broadcasting era are Zach Zaidman and Dave Corzine, a dynamic duo poised to deliver the same passion-filled commentary fans have come to expect. Zaidman, a Chicago native and rising star in sports media, joined DePaul basketball broadcasts in 2019 after stints with the Bears and Blackhawks on WSCR. His energetic style and deep knowledge of the local scene have made him a fan favorite, with social media buzz often highlighting his post-game analysis segments.

Dave Corzine, a DePaul legend himself, brings unparalleled authenticity to the booth. The former Blue Demons center, who played from 1973 to 1976 and later enjoyed an 11-year NBA career with teams like the Bulls and Knicks, has been calling games since 2004. His insights, drawn from personal experience, have enriched broadcasts, especially during pivotal moments like the 2013-14 season when DePaul upset then-No. 7 Louisville. “Calling DePaul games has been a dream come true,” Corzine said in an exclusive interview. “Moving to the app and Sirius XM means more accessibility—no more worrying about radio static on road trips. We’re excited to bring the excitement to a national audience.”

The transition to the DePaul Sports Network app, a free platform powered by Stretch Internet, will feature live audio streams, highlights, and interactive features like real-time stats and fan chats. Sirius XM integration expands reach to over 150 channels, targeting the satellite radio’s 34 million subscribers. This move aligns with trends in college basketball, where 68% of NCAA Division I programs now prioritize digital broadcasting over traditional AM/FM, according to a 2023 Sports Media Watch report.

For broadcasters like Zaidman, the change represents opportunity. “WSCR gave us a platform, but this digital pivot lets us innovate,” he noted. “Imagine syncing game audio with live video feeds or AR overlays—that’s the future of DePaul basketball coverage.”

Fan Backlash and Excitement Collide Over Broadcasting Change

News of the end of the DePaul-WSCR radio partnership has ignited a firestorm of reactions from the Blue Demons faithful. On social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit, fans expressed a mix of nostalgia and frustration, with hashtags like #SaveDePaulRadio trending locally. One longtime listener, Chicago attorney Mark Reilly, posted: “Grew up listening to Corzine on The Score during my commute. This feels like losing a piece of Chicago sports history.” A Change.org petition to reinstate the partnership has garnered over 2,500 signatures in 48 hours, citing concerns about accessibility for older fans without smartphones.

Yet, not all feedback is negative. Younger supporters, particularly millennials and Gen Z demographics, applaud the shift to app-based and satellite broadcasting. A survey conducted by DePaul’s student athletics department revealed that 72% of respondents under 30 prefer digital streams for their on-demand flexibility. “Finally, I can listen to games without hunting for a radio signal,” said student fan Elena Vasquez. This divide highlights generational tensions in college basketball consumption, where traditional radio partnerships are giving way to tech-savvy alternatives.

WSCR’s response has been measured. Station vice president Mitch Rosen stated: “We respect DePaul’s decision and wish them success. Our focus remains on amplifying Chicago’s pro sports scene.” The split isn’t isolated; similar shifts have occurred in college basketball, such as Notre Dame’s move to Sirius XM in 2022 and UCLA’s app-centric model post-Pac-12 dissolution. These changes reflect a 15% annual growth in digital sports audio consumption, per Edison Research, pressuring legacy outlets like WSCR to adapt.

Amid the discourse, DePaul officials emphasize inclusivity. The university plans to offer free app downloads at campus events and partner with local libraries for streaming workshops, ensuring no fan is left behind in this broadcasting evolution.

Unpacking the Factors Driving DePaul’s Broadcasting Overhaul

Behind the curtain, several factors contributed to the dissolution of the DePaul basketball and WSCR radio partnership. Financial considerations played a pivotal role: WSCR’s advertising revenue model, reliant on local sponsorships, has faced headwinds from streaming giants like Spotify and iHeartRadio. DePaul, seeking greater control over its media rights, estimates the digital shift could boost direct revenue by 25% through in-app ads and premium subscriptions.

Contractual negotiations, which began in early 2023, stalled over revenue sharing and exclusivity clauses. Sources close to the talks reveal that WSCR proposed a reduced package covering only 60% of games, a non-starter for DePaul amid efforts to revitalize the program under coach Tony Stubblefield. The Blue Demons, who finished 2023-24 with a 3-29 record—their worst in program history—view enhanced broadcasting as key to recruitment and fan engagement.

Broader trends in college basketball broadcasting amplify these dynamics. The NIL era and conference realignments have fragmented media deals, with the Big East now negotiating a $500 million TV package that sidelines traditional radio. DePaul’s move mirrors peers like Villanova, which transitioned to ESPN+ audio in 2021, resulting in a 40% listenership uptick among national audiences.

Experts weigh in on the implications. Sports media analyst John Ourand of Sports Business Journal noted: “This is symptomatic of AM radio’s decline in sports. Universities want data-driven platforms to track engagement and monetize directly.” For DePaul, the overhaul includes analytics tools to measure listener demographics, potentially informing targeted marketing for future seasons.

Challenges remain, including technical hurdles like app reliability during peak usage. DePaul has invested $750,000 in infrastructure upgrades, partnering with Sirius XM for seamless integration. This strategic pivot underscores a commitment to modernizing DePaul basketball’s presence in an increasingly digital world.

Blue Demons’ Airwaves Revolutionize Fan Access Nationwide

Looking forward, DePaul’s embrace of the sports app and Sirius XM promises to redefine how fans tune into Blue Demons action. With national satellite reach, games could attract listeners from coast to coast, potentially increasing attendance at neutral-site events and boosting merchandise sales. Early projections suggest a 30% expansion in the fanbase, vital for a program aiming to climb Big East standings after recent woes.

The 2024-25 schedule, featuring non-conference tilts against powerhouses like Texas and road games in the revamped Big East, will test the new broadcasting setup. Zaidman and Corzine’s first app-exclusive call—a home opener against UIC on November 4—will serve as a litmus test for audio quality and engagement features.

In the long term, this shift could inspire other mid-major college basketball programs to follow suit, accelerating the decline of legacy radio partnerships. For DePaul, it’s a bold step toward sustainability: enhanced data insights might refine coaching strategies, while interactive elements foster community building. As Peevy put it, “We’re not just changing how games are heard; we’re ensuring DePaul basketball is heard everywhere, by everyone.” With youth camps, alumni events, and digital promotions on the horizon, the Blue Demons are poised to rebound—both on the court and in the airwaves.