LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell Athletics and its multimedia rights holder, Learfield’s Bucknell Sports Properties, announced today a regional television partnership with WQMY-TV. The Bucknell men’s basketball team’s home games against Richmond (Nov. 30), Princeton (Dec. 22) and Loyola Maryland (Jan. 18) will be televised on WQMY, which is available on cable and satellite systems throughout Northeast and Central Pennsylvania.
Former Bucknell point guard Abe Badmus ‘07, who was one of the catalysts of the back-to-back Patriot League championship teams in 2005 and 2006, will serve as color analyst on the broadcasts. The production will also be simulcast on the internet through the Patriot League Network (PatriotLeague.TV).
“We have been extremely diligent in identifying a television partner that would help us strengthen the Bison brand in additional areas throughout the state, areas where we know we have a deep fan base and generate great interest,” said Mike Trudnak, general manager for Bucknell Sports Properties, Learfield’s local team that aligns daily with the athletics administration and oversees all rights components and corporate partnerships. “We couldn’t be more excited about this relationship with WQMY and what these live game broadcasts will mean for the Bison community, fans, sponsors and our student-athletes as we continue to grow the Bucknell brand in the Northeast market and expand our attendance in Central Pennsylvania.”
“We are incredibly excited to carry Bucknell Basketball to the loyal fans in Northeast and Central Pennsylvania,” said Jon Cadman, general manager of WQMY. “Our partnership will help grow the fan base of Bucknell Basketball by allowing more people to watch live in high definition on My TV WQMY.”
The addition of the Richmond, Princeton and Loyola games add to Bucknell’s growing list of televised contests in 2016-17. The Bison will have at least two games – Feb. 6 against Holy Cross and Feb. 13 against Colgate – televised nationally on CBS Sports Network, with the opportunity for additional “flex” dates and postseason games on CBS SN. The Jan. 21 home game against Boston University will air on the American Sports Network, the Nov. 19 game at Butler will be televised through Fox Sports Net, and the Nov. 21 contest at Vanderbilt is slated to air on the SEC Network. Other possible television dates will be announced when available.
Every Bucknell home game and Patriot League road game that does not air on CBS Sports Network will be streamed live on the Patriot League Network. Bucknell has captured five of the last six outright Patriot League regular-season titles, and the Bison will look to defend their 2015-16 crown starting with the Nov. 11 season-opener against Manhattan at Sojka Pavilion.