WSU Expands Cougar Radio Reach for 2026‑27 Season

New Radio Partnership Gives Fans Statewide Access

Washington State University Athletics has sealed a broader agreement with Bonneville Seattle Media Group, extending the reach of Seattle Sports 710 AM beyond football. The deal now brings Cougar men’s basketball into the same broadcast fold, while also providing streaming options through seattlesports.com and the Seattle Sports app. Local stations on the Palouse—KHTR‑FM, KCLX‑AM and KQQQ—will keep their traditional schedule, ensuring fans in Pullman and surrounding areas retain familiar coverage.

The partnership positions Seattle Sports as the premier conduit for Coug fans scattered across Washington and the Pacific Northwest. “Seattle Sports gives us an incredible opportunity to connect with Cougs wherever they are,” said Jon Haarlow, WSU’s vice president and athletic director. He emphasized that the expanded platform will showcase student‑athletes, coaches and program stories to a wider audience. The agreement also promises a weekly midday segment featuring first‑year head coach Kirby Moore, offering behind‑the‑scenes insight for listeners.

Multiple Streaming Paths Keep Fans Connected

In addition to over‑the‑air radio, Washington State’s football and both men’s and women’s basketball games will be available on seattlesports.com and the Seattle Sports mobile app. The Cougar Sports Network and the official WSU Cougars Gameday app continue to serve as complementary outlets, giving fans a variety of ways to tune in. Each season, one baseball game will also be aired on Seattle Sports, rounding out the athletic programming portfolio. This multi‑channel approach mirrors the modern viewing habits of college sports supporters.

The daily “Bump and Stacy” program will spotlight Coach Moore alongside former Cougar wide receiver Michael Bumpus and co‑host Stacy Jo Rost every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. Listeners can catch the live broadcast on 710 AM, stream it online, or later watch the video on Seattle Sports’ YouTube channel. The segment will be available on other digital platforms after airing, ensuring that delayed viewing remains an option. Meanwhile, all athletic broadcasts remain accessible through the Cougar Sports Network and the Gameday app, preserving existing fan habits.

How Preseason Polls Reflect the Cougars’ Outlook

Athlon Sports projects Washington State to finish fourth in its inaugural Pac‑12 campaign, while Phil Steele places the Cougars fifth. The middling rankings do not diminish the talent pool highlighted by the preseason honor lists. Athlon recognized 17 players across four All‑Pac‑12 teams, including left tackle Ashton Tripp and punt returner Tony Freeman on the first squad. Senior defensive end Linus Zunk, a Vanderbilt transfer from Berlin, earned first‑team honors from Steele and posted 15 tackles with three sacks last season.

Offensive line depth is evident with Ashton Tripp’s performance—13 starts, 887 snaps, and just one sack allowed in 490 pass attempts. Tony Freeman posted a school‑record 17.3‑yard punt return average, ranking sixth nationally, and hauled in five punts for at least 40 yards. The secondary features Khamari Terrell and Jaylen Thomas, both second‑team selections, while kickers Jack Stevens and utility players like Caden Pinnick round out the preseason speculation. These recognitions suggest that even if the overall placement is modest, Washington State possesses the pieces to compete in the new conference landscape.

Women’s Soccer Unveils Full 2026 Schedule

First‑year coach Chris Citowicki’s squad will play 17 matches, with eight home fixtures at the Lower Soccer Field in Pullman, including four Pac‑12 clashes. Should the Cougars finish in the top half of the league, they’ll qualify for the inaugural Pac‑12 Tournament scheduled for November 11‑15. The tournament format awards the hosting spot to the conference team with the highest non‑conference RPI, a metric that reflects strength of schedule. The season kicks off with the Battle of the Palouse against Idaho on August 12, marking the first WSU Athletics event of the academic year.

The schedule includes a weekend excursion to Hawaii for the OUTRIGGER No Ka Oi tournament, featuring games against Utah Valley and host Hawaii. After a non‑conference match with Seattle U, the Cougars pause before entering Pac‑12 action against Oregon State, Fresno State, Utah State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Texas State, Colorado State and Boise State. The slate finishes with a road game at Boise State on November 5, followed by the tournament semifinals and final later that month. This diverse lineup gives fans a full calendar of Cougar soccer throughout the fall.

Why This Expansion Matters for the Future

The broadened reach of Cougar athletics programming signals a strategic push to engage a statewide fan base as the team navigates the transition to the new Pac‑12. By aligning with Seattle Sports, WSU taps into an established media brand that already serves major league teams, enhancing credibility and visibility. The added streaming options and dedicated coach segments will also provide valuable content for recruiting, giving prospective student‑athletes a clearer picture of the program’s culture and resources.

Moreover, the expanded coverage ensures that alumni and former residents of the region—who may no longer live in Pullman—remain connected to their alma mater. This continuity can strengthen donor networks and community ties, both crucial for sustaining athletic excellence. As the Kirby Moore era begins and the Pac‑12 reshapes, the partnership positions Washington State to build a broader, more engaged supporter base across Washington, Oregon and beyond.