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Source: Chicago's 670 The Score To Broadcast Illinois Football And Basketball

Mike Thomas has wanted to expand the school's presence in Chicago, and he's done so by cutting a deal to have both football and basketball games broadcast on one of the most popular radio stations in the city.

By Apollo Forza

Good news for Chicago Illini who have had trouble listening to Illinois football and basketball games in the city, as it's about to become a whole lot easier.

Shannon Ryan of the Chicago Tribune initially reported that Illinois had come to an agreement with 670 The Score, and The Champaign Room has been able to confirm through its own source.

The announcement will be made on Wednesday morning.

Illini basketball games will be carried on the Chicago sports station in the 2013-14 season, while football games will not be broadcast until the 2014 season. The Score currently has a deal with Northern Illinois football that will expire following the 2013 season. Until then Illini football games will continue to be carried on WIND-AM 560.

Illinois games were last carried on The Score in 2004-05.

This is an excellent way for Mike Thomas to spread the Illinois brand in the city of Chicago, as being on The Score -- the most popular sports talk station in Chicago -- means that Illinois will likely get more exposure on the station, and not just during games.

Which is good for the school and the program, and of course, Illini alums living in Chicago.

UPDATE

Here's Mike Thomas' official statement after the announcement was made Wednesday morning:

"This is very exciting news for Fighting Illini fans throughout the Midwest. The signal strength and coverage area of WSCR 670 The Score is tremendous, giving our fans the very best ability to listen to Fighting Illini football and basketball. WSCR 670 The Score has an outstanding reputation as an all-sports station in the Chicago market, which is a great asset in spreading the Fighting Illini brand through the region. We appreciate our relationship with WIND-AM 560 over the past several years, and through the upcoming football season. It's been a great partnership. We look forward to working with WSCR 670 The Score in any way possible as our agreement begins with the 2013-14 men's basketball season."

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