University of Hawaii sports will reach the quarter-century mark on 1420-AM radio under the terms of a five-year extension with KKEA that will take its rights to June 2019.
UH is to receive $900,000 in cash over the five-year period, beginning with $160,000 the first year, according to the parties in the deal. With trade and other considerations, the overall package is valued at approximately $2 million, they said.
The final year of the current incentive-based contract, which expires in June, is expected to pay UH approximately $150,000 in cash, officials said.
The agreement came in a negotiating window exclusive to KKEA. UH said no additional bids were entertained.
"To the ownership of this company and all the people who work here, (the extension) means an awful lot," general manager Mike Kelly said. "It is part of the fabric of what we are, broadcasting UH sports. So, we’re really happy about it."
UH sports have been on 1420, through various call letters and owners, including KCCN-AM and KKEA, since 1993, when they moved over from KGU.
KKEA is owned by Duane Kurisu, who is a director of Oahu Publications Inc., owner of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
"I think our long association has been a great one, and we look forward to finding new ways to collaborate," said Ben Jay, UH athletic director.
Jay said UH plans to have its call-the-coach shows and other events originate at its new "H-Zone" apparel store in Ward Centre, where a radio set is to be built. The athletic department is scheduled to take over operation of the former Rainbowtique on July 1.
"We think doing the shows from there will help drive traffic to our store," Jay said.
Jay said he and Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple plan to do shows from the store.
"It will enable us to get our message out and touch bases with the fans," Jay said.
Under terms of the contract, UH has a right of approval on sportscasters. Kelly said he expects to continue with the same lineup of sportscasters for UH events.