Steelers extend deal to keep games on WDVE

The Pittsburgh Steelers will remain linked to their longtime radio partner.

WDVE-FM 102.5 will continue as the radio network flagship for Steelers broadcasts, the team and iHeartMedia announced Friday. The agreement, which extends the partnership through the 2028 season, also includes the creation of the Steelers Audio Network, where fans can consume content such as podcasts and ancillary programming related to the Steelers.

“We are thrilled to continue to give Steelers fans access to Steelers audio broadcasts and unique Steelers programming content for years to come,” iHeartMedia Pittsburgh president Tim McAleer said in a prepared statement.

When Steelers games first were being broadcast on WDVE in 1999, many fans listening still were doing so via the old needle-and-dial receivers in their cars. Now, it’s more likely they’re using a phone app — be it the Steelers’, Steelers Nation Radio or iHeart.

Steelers content remains available on the conglomerate’s AM all-sports station, WBGG-AM 970. According to the release, each of the six stations iHeart owns in the Pittsburgh market will partner in “promotional support” as part of the agreement.

The individual calling play-by-play during Steelers games will change this upcoming season. Longtime voice of the Steelers, Bill Hillgrove, announced in February that he would retire from the team’s broadcasts while he still holds the role for Pitt football and basketball playby- play.

The Steelers have not announced a successor, and no mention of the broadcasters was made in Friday’s announcement. Color commentator Craig Wolfley and sideline reporters Missi Matthews and Max Starks are expected to return to Steelers radio broadcasts.