ATLANTA, March  18, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cumulus Media&#39;s Westwood One (OTCQB:CMLS), one of the largest audio networks in America, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have entered into a

CMLS

Cumulus Media's Westwood One and the NCAA Renew Audio Media Partnership

Cumulus Media Renews NCAA Broadcasting Agreement, Secures Key Revenue Stream

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>ATLANTA, March  18, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cumulus Media&amp;#39;s Westwood One (OTCQB:CMLS), one of the largest audio networks in America, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have entered into a</p>
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  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Cumulus Media&#039;s Westwood One has renewed its multi-year agreement with the NCAA, ensuring exclusive audio broadcast rights for significant college sports events. This extended partnership is poised to enhance revenue through increased audience engagement and advertising opportunities, potentially benefiting CMLS&#039;s financial outlook in the coming years.</p>
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  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>Cumulus Media renews multi-year deal with NCAA for audio broadcasts.</li><li>Westwood One retains exclusive NCAA Championship broadcasting rights.</li><li>Partnership initiated in 1982, cementing long-term collaboration with NCAA.</li><li>Broadcasters provide comprehensive coverage for major collegiate sports events.</li><li>NCAA reaches over 520,000 student-athletes yearly, enhancing audience engagement.</li></ul>
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  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>NCAA (N/A)</strong>: NCAA&#039;s extensive reach enhances Cumulus Media&#039;s audience and advertising opportunities.</li></ul>
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  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
    <p>This news falls under corporate developments as it highlights an important partnership renewal for Cumulus Media. The sustained relationship with the NCAA not only solidifies their market position but also indicates a strong revenue potential, fostering trust with investors.</p>
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  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Revenue growth expected from exclusive NCAA broadcasting rights.</li><li>Increased advertising opportunities may boost cash flow.</li><li>Long-standing partnership strengthens Westwood One&#039;s industry position.</li><li>Potential for enhanced digital engagement through multiple platforms.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>Westwood One has been NCAA&#039;s audio partner since 1982.</li><li>Renewal ensures coverage of NCAA Men&#039;s and Women&#039;s Championships.</li><li>Westwood One broadcasts audio for NCAA March Madness since 2005.</li><li>Cumulus operates 393 radio stations across 84 markets.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Buy CMLS as renewed NCAA partnership enhances revenue visibility and growth potential.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/styles/gnw_nitf.css"></link><p>ATLANTA, March  18, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- <strong>Cumulus Media's Westwood One</strong> (OTCQB:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CMLS">CMLS</a>), one of the largest audio networks in America, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have entered into a multi-year renewal, maintaining Westwood One's place as the official network audio broadcast partner of the NCAA for several years to come. Westwood One has broadcast the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament since 1982 and every game of NCAA March Madness&#xAE; on multiple platforms since 2005.</p>  <p>Under the terms of the deal, Westwood One retains exclusive broadcast radio and digital audio distribution and licensing rights for the following NCAA Championships: NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments, NIT, WBIT, and Men's and Women's College World Series.</p>  <p>"Westwood One has been an exceptional partner in bringing NCAA championships to fans across the country," said Nate Flannery, Director of Championships, Digital at the NCAA. "Their long‑standing commitment to comprehensive, high‑quality audio coverage makes it possible for fans to experience the excitement of our championships wherever they are. We're pleased to extend this relationship and continue providing access to NCAA events for millions of listeners nationwide."</p>  <p>"We're thrilled to extend our partnership with the NCAA and continue bringing the power, passion, and pageantry of college sports to fans nationwide," said Collin Jones, President, Westwood One and EVP, Corporate Strategy &amp; Development, Cumulus Media. "This renewed agreement reflects the unmatched reach of Westwood One's audio network and our shared commitment to elevating the championship experience for athletes, schools, and listeners everywhere. The best moments in college sports are still ahead—and we can't wait to deliver them."<br></br></p>  <p>All live coverage is available on Westwood One affiliates, Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, streamed online at westwoodonesports.com, the Westwood One Sports app, and on other platforms including NCAA March Madness Live.</p>  <p>NCAA, Final Four, March Madness, and College World Series are trademarks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.</p>  <p><strong>About Westwood One Sports</strong></p>  <p>Westwood One Sports is home to some of the most exciting sports broadcasts on radio. In addition to being the exclusive national audio broadcaster of the NFL since 1987 – featuring regular and post-season NFL football, including the playoffs and the Super Bowl – its other extensive properties include NCAA Basketball, including the NCAA Men's and Women's Tournaments and the Final Four&#xAE;; NCAA Football; The Masters; US Soccer; and other marquee sporting events. On social media, join the Westwood One Sports community on Facebook at <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=1zlrq-OatQYRYTlgus5cD37Or6oRnFFF0LAv7MMlv6sE7PzM1oxf7OcbH9jZ5S4eraDl5NEhQooa114sadgs71vLSwR5tOjvBA7618QncyEJm570sJdvxeWptLflUH9v9_4Lnue277djuYzBvxBftw==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">facebook.com/westwoodonesports</a>, Instagram at <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=jgtQiVrc5uj-X3wRMzU5iNqNZgvFf4aZF9urvdCOwDF4Wvd3Z15n6VMU7KqPtvPnBuGY3JBHllGZ-Xf0b5uR8hcZO2p70GnsGVvPj5ur73oTf8XQk0Aa192ShKxknFqtdiuwDVt9UNJLAZyB_8lZGQ==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">instagram.com/westwoodonesports</a>, and X at <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=qXg_lUkzPK3aSEvSdhR1SiRZZa4HT8l99fEwjs3F37SMUV4jTGsBUabEMglBHtqEREC2wWD3q8i_EQ45R0bQ74W8539hkPIFjcIEnTs3pGQ=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">x.com/westwood1sports</a>. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=iw6Q1Fyta_34P3w_10bl4ze_943jWLLpk9oSUAtXFg95CTWO5n3XL_Gfu-HMhnIIOmkIxj5trLFGkhz_60V_JykRF6zo4d2rbbnZwK3THFopGq1YQpLNc0tYQgy314vf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.westwoodonesports.com</a>.  </p>  <p><strong>About Cumulus Media </strong></p>  <p>Cumulus Media (OTCQB:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CMLS">CMLS</a>) is an audio-first media company delivering premium content to a quarter billion people every month — wherever and whenever they want it. Cumulus Media engages listeners with high-quality local programming through 393 owned-and-operated radio stations across 84 markets; delivers nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming from iconic brands including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, US Soccer, AP News, and the Academy of Country Music Awards, across more than 7,800 affiliated stations through Westwood One, a leading national audio network; and inspires listeners through the Cumulus Podcast Network, an established and influential platform for original podcasts that are smart, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Cumulus Media provides advertisers with personal connections, local impact and national reach through broadcast and on-demand digital, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms, as well as integrated digital marketing services, powerful influencers, full-service audio solutions, industry-leading research and insights, and live event experiences. For more information visit <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=_c3hEcMKzX8nrNbXc_C7UxnpxY1U5WkkwK-jP3bvSXmGVkyhFAR5DXYtmNCXzvQZaIBPQfLR15Stp0AWHIZCkioZVXbTkNH4JWJzLe-Z_AM=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.cumulusmedia.com.</a></p>  <p><strong>About the NCAA</strong></p>  <p>The National Collegiate Athletic Association provides a world-class athletics and academic experience that fosters lifelong well-being for more than 520,000 student-athletes annually. The NCAA stages 92 championships across three divisions, and its 1,100 member schools provide nearly $4 billion in athletics scholarships every year. Visit <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=15uEMbr5yVuEPGqiIBh7XykwS3tk_Ljrx4Wg-J5U1Bh-Gmi5lw1k1kpK3t4Fl5_uOTIQO50kpwJcueSZWPxtZEMe78aiEDBV8yI0jtzXY4jld8UnUt3Fo5PhRodnOqjCYMDZDKQx_uWCKeKqAGlwmHS7dcgXF0IX1zFODNXHPDr6a6gj77-BwkXLbElR9qbKr3PYLgsEYdXUPwRUZ4A_nEUAK_KPLR7R2KVSZNZgM-fxu2rwwzEXEG2P1vpkVkRKNHHd90IKjCiEcvoCOIgAqiriWwVMrdUX4WtpJiIfPGWmV1hobmyklxHoj4R7XsTk90cMOQ55Bna6rlaVR2KTsrcoUasov5-0qqsNl6YJbY2HsRUrgdrhpqI0McgAkqfE6zCoVUcfrlnaIbulOs1nO1_c_57uAUQcc3PjdKnJydlKXyNaNuc6EB9hncRVrUmvNGzG2UAw446xWq-6cbM3lUFUCeyRu7WaXDzc4Q_4KOjf_C6ozbZ0MH0YT59QXUe6fFytXpcYyHyaku3bcM4ki7LT6PTkOuZGcNpRrKb_YpYuvU9V8OK2mHtjJ0qNd8oOyXzkh3HYsHEsxrn6MU8rmA==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ncaa.org</a> and <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=15uEMbr5yVuEPGqiIBh7Xyvy4p0NKJZLFUyn6T05iPItlJIGTugApZWgKsHHlJ9P-PzL7t9sxNq2BKXIDK8zca0qS9ID52CkiAOzBAbqsvKf2CFVmBPupNTq2wkRSUzbD_ON4yPwmvfOWLOWP9jeEuPSfCdvzghMIlLRcaEY3X1GbtOXu3dF_M3K5RWf3o8DAOFQI_ysm-3lSJcsmChQ4I9LVw0LrgUEWjZP0KD-lbX8Pw2rIeK30ES76-Wpp41DC_6TnmZRMqZdIjWfC3wV_Q01xiCUHHcVPdwMzJP0bSXpJGQ5EsfPqWKBDBXC3Uzw7W9VDu8yx9wDcuux8fcQJazLQMq4xJTQLvopH1Sf21h6TH7w5SI_ySpxCgkROZrAP_CxCz1Y2VX6s4TdBfN7iy-myJUk78op3ugzjJuKCycnfriBv7R1xzp67RItj6pdReJErpOWw_y7mBPlfwJfXRodG7zOP-oZcZnFlnWzk6I7BoMx6OtP7RJxJsBSZG-vFtenTcWnHQbiIEOiwBz1JdysF2IRDKa5AxG9jy_IBngzJWei_QCSAnT3UxiO1_TyZ7gMuHs4CCtzQwgqTlvhZg==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ncaa.com</a> for more.</p>  <p><strong>Contact:</strong> Lisa Dollinger, Dollinger Strategic Communication, for Cumulus Media &#x7C; Westwood One, <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=ugTm2j_utBiqNcKHLK-Kbc-R6WxwiC0Sj8QZaYXQKtGJZBszIMQhwasgXrOEViu5T8aMcUBPxPBb_A4ZdIFH7LZIvF5Zct9dNqEDLxgI_-A=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lisa@dollcomm.com</a>, and 512.633.4084.  </p> <img alt="" class="__GNW8366DE3E__IMG" src="https://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/ti?nf=OTY3NDY5NSM3NDkyNzMwIzIwMDg3Mjg="></img> <br></br><img alt="" src="https://ml.globenewswire.com/media/MDAwMzZmZDMtMmU3Zi00YmQ0LWE3YzYtMjgzMWYxNTM0YzIxLTEwMjAzMDEtMjAyNi0wMy0xOC1lbg==/tiny/Cumulus-Media-Inc-.png" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></img>

Cumulus Media's Westwood One has renewed its multi-year agreement with the NCAA, ensuring exclusive audio broadcast rights for significant college sports events. This extended partnership is poised to enhance revenue through increased audience engagement and advertising opportunities, potentially benefiting CMLS's financial outlook in the coming years.

Cumulus Media's Westwood One and the NCAA Renew Audio Media Partnership

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